PetAg and Pawsperity Set the Standard for Purpose-Driven Partnership
The collaboration of nonprofits proves once again that impact is exponentially increased when organizations partner to help a cause; such as in the case of a Georgia hotel. Nonprofit organizations stepped up to assist almost 30 families who found themselves in a challenging situation when they received a mere one-day notice about the renovations taking place at the Howard Johnson Hotel. These families had been residing at the hotel for an extended period before being asked to vacate last Monday.
In the nonprofit sector, meaningful partnerships can elevate mission, reach, and community impact. One powerful example is the ongoing collaboration between PetAg, a leading pet nutrition and wellness company, and Pawsperity, a Kansas City–based nonprofit grooming school dedicated to transforming lives through vocational training.
For more than five years, PetAg has supported Pawsperity with both products and expertise—an investment that has reached approximately $80,000 in retail value in 2024 alone. The contribution includes professional-grade grooming products from PetAg’s industry-recognized Fresh ’n Clean line, as well as education and on-site training for Pawsperity students.
“”Through continued investment, education, and product donations, PetAg continues to champion its mission of helping pets and pet owners enjoy more healthy, happy years together,” said PetAg.”
A Mission That Goes Beyond Grooming
Pawsperity operates a comprehensive seven-month dog grooming program designed to open doors for individuals facing barriers to stable employment. In addition to technical grooming instruction, the school provides life skills development and essential wraparound services including case management, access to a food pantry, and housing assistance.
Dogs from the local community are groomed as part of the training program, and services are offered at reduced rates, making quality pet care affordable for families while giving students hands-on experience. Revenue generated through these grooming services helps sustain the organization’s operations, reinforcing a model where education and enterprise bolster one another.
Education Through Industry Expertise
PetAg’s support extends beyond product donation. Dr. Dale Sanson, the company’s grooming expert, has led hands-on training for both students and program graduates. This focus on practical, skill-aligned education ensures aspiring groomers receive not only tools but also industry insights that can accelerate their professional growth.
“Through continued investment, education, and product donations, PetAg continues to champion its mission of helping pets and pet owners enjoy more healthy, happy years together,” the company said.
A Partnership with Measurable Impact
The PetAg–Pawsperity collaboration demonstrates how corporate and nonprofit partnerships can be both values-driven and operationally impactful. By providing products, training, and long-term support, PetAg helps Pawsperity empower individuals seeking new career paths while improving pet wellness in the community.
As workforce development programs and nonprofits continue looking for sustainable models, this partnership serves as a blueprint—showing what’s possible when companies invest deeply, consistently, and intentionally in community-driven missions.
The nonprofit organizations specialize in assisting individuals facing chronic homelessness and other vulnerable populations by facilitating their transition to more secure housing and providing additional support services.
Their ultimate goal is to help families secure long-term, safe, and stable homes.
Starks shared the logistical efforts they undertook to ensure the smooth relocation process: “To transport everyone to their respective destinations, we utilized various means, including a van, Uber XLs, and even a U-Haul generously provided by a hotel staff member who was also affected by the displacement, as they both worked and resided there. Working tirelessly for over four hours on the following Tuesday, we successfully transported everyone to their new accommodations.”