Michael's Angel Paws Inc
About Michael's Angel Paws Inc
Michael’s Angel Paws trains service dogs, therapy dogs, and family pets in Las Vegas, with programs that support people with disabilities, veterans, minors with disabilities, and dog owners across the valley. The work is practical and personal, from public access training for service dogs to therapy dog visits in hospitals, schools, senior living facilities, and corporate settings. If you care about support that reaches both the handler and the community around them, this is an easy organization to understand and root for.
What sets Michael’s Angel Paws apart is how many entry points it offers into dog training and service work. Alongside service dog training and therapy dog certification, it also offers private obedience, puppy classes, and scholarship support, including paths that can begin with a rescue pup or a volunteer-raised pup.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Service Dog Program
A five-module service dog training pathway with group classes, private sessions, public access training and testing, and customized tasks for the handler’s needs.
Therapy Dog Program
Training for dogs and handlers who visit hospitals, schools, senior living facilities, corporate events, and other community settings.
Foundation for Obedience
Basic obedience classes covering sit, down, leash walking, impulse control, and early training skills for dogs of all ages and breeds.
Advanced Obedience Training
Progression from basic obedience into hand signals, cues, off-leash readiness, distance, distraction proofing, and recall reliability.
Private Dog Training
One-on-one obedience sessions, in person, at home, at the training center, or virtually, for goals such as potty training, loose leash walking, door manners, and jumping.
Puppy Socialization and Puppy Training
Structured puppy classes that combine supervised socialization, early learning, and positive reinforcement for young dogs.
Rally Dog Training
Station-based teamwork classes that build communication, precision, focus, and confidence through positive reinforcement.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Class
Training that prepares dogs for the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test as a step toward therapy dog work.
Agility Training
Agility classes offered as part of the organization’s dog training menu.
Corporate Therapy Dog Events
Therapy dog experiences for conventions, office visits, employee appreciation days, team building, and other corporate gatherings.
Service Dog Scholarship Program
Scholarships that help eligible applicants afford service dog training, including veterans, local non-military adults ages 18 to 35, and minors with disabilities.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Michael’s Angel Paws spreads H.O.P.E., Helping Others Pawsitively Every Day, by training Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs that empower individuals, promote independence, and strengthen community connections.
Who they serve
People with disabilities, veterans, minors with disabilities, and dog owners in Las Vegas, Henderson, and the broader Las Vegas Valley.
Their impact
- 10,000+ dogs and puppies trained with basic obedience skills since 2012
- 5,000+ volunteer hours served to the Las Vegas community since 2021
- 480 therapy dogs graduated and certified since 2014
- 50+ local Las Vegas veterans assisted with service dog training and scholarships
- 160+ service dogs graduated since 2012
How your donation helps
- training sessions
- community outreach
- equipment
- educational materials
- program development
- service dog scholarships
Our story
Michael’s Angel Paws was founded in 2012 by Stephanie Gerken after the death of her son, Michael Charles Gerken, on September 13, 2011. She created the organization to carry his legacy forward through H.O.P.E., Helping Others Pawsitively Every Day, and to help people seeking a better quality of life through a service dog.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Michael's Angel Paws Inc’s services.
Service dog applicants complete an application, pay the $75 application fee, and then take part in a virtual meet-and-greet with the founder and director to develop a training protocol. Therapy dog teams start with the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, join the therapy dog group class, and then complete the Michael’s Angel Paws Therapy Dog Test.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Great experience! Matthew was our trainer and he is fantastic. Very caring, patient, and compassionate. You and your pup will learn so much and it helped me become a better owner.
I could not recommend Michael's Angel Paws enough! They are beyond friendly and professional. Their dogs are so well behaved and cute! We have brought them back to our corporate events for years, and we look forward to bringing them back in the future.
Events
Paws and Relax lounge
at conferences and eventsA therapy dog lounge experience for conferences and events throughout Las Vegas.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Michael's Angel Paws Inc has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer to raise a pup that will train as a service dog
- Join a therapy dog team that volunteers in community settings
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Recognized by the American Kennel Club for meeting Therapy Program quality standards
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring Michael's Angel Paws Inc from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How does the Service Dog Program work?
It can take up to 18 months and moves through five modules with weekly training sessions, group classes, private sessions, public access training and testing, and customized tasks based on the handler’s needs.
What are the requirements for the Therapy Dog Program?
Dogs need to be at least 1 year old, pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, join the Therapy Dog Group Class, and pass the Michael’s Angel Paws Therapy Dog Test.
What kinds of dog training are offered for family pets?
Family pets can take Foundation for Obedience, Advanced Obedience, private obedience sessions, puppy training, Rally classes, and agility training.
Can a service dog path begin with a rescue pup or a volunteer-raised pup?
Yes. The organization supports that path with guidance, selection, training, education, and certification, including both rescue pup to service dog and volunteer-raised pup routes.
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