Paws of War
Our Mission
At Paws of War, we believe in the healing power of companionship, working to bring together veterans, first responders, and rescued animals to create unbreakable bonds. We are dedicated to providing loyal service dogs that become not just companions but also catalysts for healing, while simultaneously giving rescued animals a new chance at life.
Our Journey
Founded in 2014, Paws of War was born from the need to alleviate the suffering of those who have bravely served our country, particularly those battling invisible wounds like PTSD. Over the years, we have grown into a community of dedicated volunteers and supporters who share a singular focus: helping both ends of the leash.
How We Operate
We rescue and rehabilitate dogs and cats in dire straits, providing them with safety, veterinary care, and the training necessary to prepare them for their forever homes. Our reach even extends into war-torn regions to reunite military personnel with the animals they formed bonds with during their service. We maintain a high standard of transparency and are proud to hold charity ratings that reflect our commitment to public accountability and program efficiency.
The Joy of Adoption
We believe that every adoption is a powerful new beginning for both the human and the animal. When you adopt from Paws of War, you are choosing a partner in a journey toward mutual understanding, purpose, and companionship. Our dedicated team works closely with each applicant to ensure a thoughtful match that honors the unique needs of both the animal and the family.
Join Our Mission
Are you ready to find your perfect match or support our cause? We invite you to explore our available dogs and cats to see who is waiting for you. Please visit our website to review our application forms or reach out to us to learn more about how you can get involved today.
Trust Assessment
SilverRated Oct 9, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 10+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Strong mission impact
- Excellent support for veterans
Recent Videos
10/12 - A second group of beagles from Marshall BioResources is beginning a new chapter through Paws of War, with so much love still ahead of them! 🐾 Following the first group we welcomed, we have now received 10 more beagles and are working with trusted rescue partners who will welcome them into their care and find them loving homes. We are grateful to Marshall BioResources for releasing these dogs to us and other trusted facilities. We hope to help many more beagles receive this same opportunity. There is something deeply moving about knowing what lies ahead for them: a yard to explore, a favorite toy, a cozy place to sleep and someone who will love them simply for being themselves. With patience and kindness, these sweet dogs will have the chance to discover the everyday joys of belonging to a family. Please donate to support Paws of War’s mission of Helping Both Ends of the Leash: pawsofwar.org/donate #PawsOfWar #MarshallBioResources #BeagleRescue #AnimalRescue #HelpingBothEndsOfTheLeash
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10/7 - A new beginning, a little time in the ABC News spotlight and so much love ahead for our sweet beagles! We were are so thrilled ABC News’ Danny New, known as “Mr. Positivity,” spoke with Paws of War co-founder Robert Misseri and Director of Adoptions Jodie Cohen for his segment! After previously covering the beagles we welcomed from Ridglan Farms, ABC returned to highlight the dogs we recently received from Marshall BioResources and how they are adjusting to their new lives. With patience and care, these sweet dogs are discovering affection, playtime and the comfort of feeling safe and loved. Now, they need families of their own! Adoptions are open to Veterans, Active Military Members, First Responders and Gold Star Families. Apply to adopt: pawsofwar.org/adoptadog You can also donate to help us care for these dogs and prepare for more beagles coming our way: pawsofwar.org/donate Please watch and share to help these deserving dogs find their homes. Thank you to Danny New and ABC News for sharing their stories and supporting our mission of “Helping Both Ends of the Leash”! #PawsOfWar #ABCNews #AdoptABeagle #MarshallBioResources #HelpingBothEndsOfTheLeash
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10/6 - Thank you, Dr. Jeff Young, for lending your voice to “Helping Both Ends of the Leash”! Dr. Jeff, known for Animal Planet’s Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet, grew up in a military family. We’re honored that he shared this special PSA encouraging support for Paws of War and our mission. From supporting Veterans, First Responders and Gold Star Families and their pets to helping Active Military Members bring home the animals they fall in love with overseas, we see every day how these bonds can change lives. We’re grateful to Dr. Jeff for shining a light on our mission! Please watch, share and donate to help us continue saving and changing lives: pawsofwar.org/donate #PawsOfWar #DrJeffYoung #RockyMountainVet #HelpingBothEndsOfTheLeash #AnimalRescue
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10/3 - Incredible event with @jetdirectmortgage + @thestonegoat_li ❤️🐶🇺🇸 Thank you to everyone who participated in big + small ways to make events like this possible. We wouldn’t be able to achieve our mission @pawsofwar without the heartbeat of the community! #pawsofwar #grateful #community
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10/2 - Our veterans have sacrificed so much in service to this country. When they come home, we have a responsibility to make sure they know they’re not alone. I’m proud to support Paws of War and the incredible work they do bringing veterans and companion animals together, helping rescue animals while giving our heroes the support, connection and unconditional love that can make such a difference. I was honored to lend my voice to this PSA and to a mission that recognizes the powerful bond between people and animals. Please take a moment to watch, share and learn more about the work Paws of War is doing for veterans and animals in need. #PawsOfWar #SupportOurVeterans #Veterans #RescueAnimals #ServiceDogs #MilitaryCommunity
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10/2 - New lives come with sweet surprises… and these sweet beagles are enjoying every moment, one pup cup at a time! Recently received from Marshall BioResources, these incredibly sweet dogs are discovering the simple joys of their new lives, including affection, playtime and plenty of special treats. Now they need loving families to share those moments with. Adoptions are open to Veterans, Active-Duty Military Members, First Responders and Gold Star Families. Apply to adopt: pawsofwar.org/adoptadog #PawsOfWar #AdoptABeagle #BeagleRescue #MarshallBioResources #HelpingBothEndsOfTheLeash
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10/1 - UPDATE: DAKOTA IS STILL WAITING TO COME HOME. We wish this new video showed Dakota safely in America, but his rescue mission is not over yet. He remains overseas while Paws of War continues working through the difficult logistics and requirements necessary to bring him home. Dakota became the unofficial guardian of a remote U.S. military installation, greeting Soldiers returning from patrol and standing watch at the gate. When the base came under attack and troops were forced to evacuate, Dakota stayed behind. Even after being wounded by shrapnel, he refused to abandon his post. Days later, the Soldiers returned to find him injured, dehydrated and barely able to stand, but still guarding the gate. When Dakota saw them, he wagged his tail. Dakota has already endured more than any dog should. He deserves to spend the rest of his life safe, loved and surrounded by the family of one of the Soldiers he protected. Our team is continuing to work tirelessly to bring Dakota to the United States, but complex conditions on the ground are making this mission extremely challenging. We are not giving up on him. Please donate to help us continue caring for Dakota and bring him safely home: https://www.pawsofwar.org/?form=FUNRVEMRWKA Every donation and every share can help move Dakota one step closer to the peaceful life he has earned. #BringDakotaHome #PawsOfWar #WarTornPups #SupportOurTroops #AnimalRescue
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9/30 - MYRTLE AND DOLLY MADE THEIR FOX 5 NEW YORK DEBUT! Paws of War’s Niki Dawson, Director of Emergency Response, Animal Welfare and Logistics, and Jodie Cohen, Director of Adoptions, recently joined Natasha Verma on FOX 5 New York with two very special guests: Myrtle and Dolly! Myrtle and Dolly are among the 10 beagles we recently received from Marshall BioResources. During the segment, we discussed our experience helping beagles transition into new lives, beginning with those we previously welcomed from Ridglan Farms and continuing with our newest group from Marshall. We also shared how these dogs are adjusting and all the things they are now discovering, including affection, playtime, patience and the comfort of feeling safe and loved. These incredibly sweet beagles are looking for adopters, and our mission to help more beagles from Marshall BioResources is continuing. Thank you to Natasha Verma and FOX 5 New York for giving us the opportunity to share their stories! Watch the segment and meet Myrtle and Dolly! Adoptions are open to Veterans, Active-Duty Military Members, First Responders and Gold Star Families. APPLY TO ADOPT: pawsofwar.org/adoptadog #PawsOfWar #AdoptABeagle #BeagleRescue #HelpingBothEndsOfTheLeash
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9/26 - ADOPT FRANNY! pawsofwar.org/adoptadog Four-year-old Franny is a beautiful Beagle who was recently rescued from a breeding facility and is finally discovering what it means to be loved simply for being herself. Franny is sweet, quiet, gentle and incredibly loving. She enjoys running and playing fetch in the yard, especially with her favorite stuffed chipmunks, but she also knows how to settle down and sit peacefully beside you while you work or watch television. She gets along with other dogs and walks well on a leash. Franny is still working on housebreaking, so she needs a patient adopter who will help her continue learning and celebrate her progress along the way. Her ideal home will have a backyard where she can safely run and play, along with someone ready to give her the time, kindness and security she deserves. Franny has left her life as a breeding dog behind. Now, she is ready to begin her very best chapter as a cherished member of a family. Franny is available for adoption to a Veteran, First Responder or Gold Star Family. pawsofwar.org/adoptadog \#AdoptFranny #PawsOfWar #BeagleAdoption #RescueDog #AdoptDontShop
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9/24 - Paws of War to the rescue to a 9/11 first responder and a puppy lab - both of whom needed a friend.
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9/23 - 🐾 Retired NYPD Det. Mike Kelly's face lit up when he was united with Maya, a service dog provided to him through Paws of War, meant to ease the pressure of his PTSD from ground zero and recent years of medical challenges. "You're going to see us going down to Long Beach on the boardwalk," said Kelly, who lives on Long Island. The labrador mix was rescued from a horrific situation in another state, and Kelly is happy that them coming together is mutually beneficial. "We wanted a dog so bad, and especially me, I mean, I wanted a service dog that I know is going to help me, but, the other case is, I'm helping her at the same time, because she was abandoned," he told 1010 WINS. "What she went through, so I'm looking at it in a way, now I'm able to give her a nice home, and affection, and she's going to be helping me through my troubles." His wife was emotional through the process, describing the tough years her husband has gone through, including a liver transplant. Maya is young and energetic, and will continue to be trained to contribute to the family's wellbeing. 🎤 @sophia_b_hall reports 📸 Sophia Hall, Mike Kelly 🔊 Tune into 1010 WINS AT 92.3 FM for more local news #nyc #newyorkcity #nycnews #news #localnews #longisland #ptsd #september11 #groundzero #firstresponder #nypd #servicedog #dogs #pawsofwar
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9/18 - 🎬 BROTHERS AFTER WAR is coming to Long Island, NY! Reserve Your FREE Seat Today! From Executive Producer Gary Sinise, and Director/Producer Jake Rademacher, in BROTHERS AFTER WAR Jake reunites with his brothers and the elite Soldiers and Marines he embedded with during the Iraq War. Intercutting footage past and present, he leads us on an insightful, humorous, and moving journey as we watch service members explore loss, meaning, and hope on their path from warfighter to veteran. On behalf of the @garysinisefoundation, please join us for a free lunch, free movie, free journal, & free seminar for Service Members, Veterans, First Responders & their Family Members. 📅 Saturday, September 19 🕗 12-4PM 📍 @cradleofaviation Charles Lindbergh Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 🎟️ RSVP now: https://baw.mov/91926 98% of Military Families would recommend this Seminar! "Everything was spot on. I believe my prayers were answered, I needed this experience.” “Moderators were fantastic. Well articulated follow ups and empathy to the feedback shared.” "This was a positive powerful experience my sister and I didn't know we needed. I appreciate the workbook and the movie was very touching." “I was unbelievably humbled to be in the space with everyone in the room. Facilitating connection, camaraderie and hope was so powerful.” RSVP now to reserve your seat: https://baw.mov/91926
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9/17 - 🐾 September is extra special because it’s National Service Dog Month! This month, we’re highlighting some of our favorite organizations that are helping connect people in need with incredible, life-changing service animals. 💙 #LongIslandTea Here on Long Island, Paws of War and Canine Companions are doing amazing work, from rescuing animals to training service dogs that provide support, companionship, and greater independence to those who need them most. We’re so proud to shine a spotlight on the people and pups making a difference right here in our community! 🐶✨ #LongIslandLife #DiscoverLongIsland #NationalServiceDogMonth #ServiceDogs
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