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Paws of War Inc

EIN 46-5113396 · Nesconset, NY

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To rescue, train and place shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to our veterans & first responders that suffer the traumatic effects of war, and provide essential and supportive services to our heroes in need.

Income
$8.0 million
Spending
$5.7 million
Spent on programs
89%
Reserves
14.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 96%
Employees
23
Volunteers
250
Highest pay
$241,599, president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (animals, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 14.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 4% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 29% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 30% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    89% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (animals, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $5.0 million spent. Dog Training and MedicalThe Organization provides Service Dog training at no cost for veterans and first responders. The organization uses dogs rescued from high kill shelters, puppy mills and other tragic circumstances. Veterans and first responders work together as a team and undergo specialized training for the dog to perform specific service tasks for their owner. This training method takes longer, and is more expensive than other methods but embodies our motto of helping both ends of the leash. The Organization also trains therapy dogs that go to veteran homes, nursing homes and special needs camps to provide the happiness that only a dogs can bring. The handlers of these therapy dogs are veterans and first responders. The organization provides a no cost mobile veterinary clinic for the pets of Veterans and First Responders who may be unable to afford or get to a veterinarian on their own. This clinic provides wellness exams, vaccines, microchipping and basic veterinary care.
  2. War Torn PupsWhen U.S. Military are deployed overseas, they sometimes find stray or abandoned dogs and cats. Many times strong bonds are formed with these animals desperate for food, safety and attention and the soldiers who care for them. There is no military process for deployed troops to get these animals that the soldiers love so much back to. the states, that is where the War Torn pups and cats program comes in. We have rescue partners around the world who can get these animals to safety from their location, receive the required veterinary care and do the complex paperwork to get these animals to the soldiers home in the U.S an reunite them.
  3. Vets to VetsThe Organization provides veterinary care for the pets of Veterans and First Responders on fixed or with low incomes. Through this program the Organization also provides pet food and other resources so Veterans and First Responders can take care of their pets who are many times their lifeline.
  4. Humane WarriorsThe Organization finds neglected horses or horses in kill pens, gets them to our rescue ranch and rehabilitates them and trains them to provide equine therapy for veterans and first responders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since April 2015.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.