JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a groundbreaking step toward inclusivity and empowerment, the City of Jacksonville announced Tuesday the launch of the Professional Animal Workers Certificate (PAWS) program.
This initiative, created in partnership with Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS), and The Arc Jacksonville, offers individuals with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD) a path to meaningful careers in animal care. It provides an opportunity for individuals with IDD to gain both comprehensive education and real-world, hands-on experience in animal care.
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Watch the full video of the announcement below.
Richard Reichard, Director of the Office of Administrative Services for the City of Jacksonville, highlighted the importance of the program during the announcement.
“Currently, 91% of individuals with IDD are unemployed,” Reichard said. “That’s unacceptable, and we can do better.”
The PAWS program was created to address this disparity, providing both skills training and professional certifications.
The program, the first of its kind in Jacksonville, blends classroom learning with hands-on training.
Students will learn essential skills like animal behavior, nutrition, and even animal CPR. Through internships at Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services, participants will gain real-world experience under professional guidance.
Kari Bates, CEO of The Arc Jacksonville, emphasized how initiatives like PAWS are designed to empower.
“Employment is more than a paycheck—it’s about independence, confidence, and belonging,” she said. “Through this program, we’re breaking down barriers and creating opportunities that didn’t exist before.”
Marnie Stein and Avery Knopsnyder, two of the first students in the program, shared their excitement.
“I’ve always loved animals, and this program is my chance to make a career of it,” said Stein, who dreams of working in grooming and pet care. Knopsnyder, inspired by caring for his own dogs, added, “This is my first step toward helping animals every day.”
Mayor Donna Deegan praised the partnerships that made the program possible, including FSCJ and ACPS.
“This program is exactly the kind of collaboration that builds stronger, more inclusive communities,” Deegan said. Under the leadership of ACPS Division Chief Mike Bricker, the animal services team has already made significant strides, with an 86% save rate for shelter animals in recent months.
The PAWS program is already making an impact, with its first cohort underway.
For more information or to get involved, contact The Arc Jacksonville at careercampus@arcjacksonville.org or call 904-355-0155.