A new Community Interest Company, The Good Paw Project, has launched across Kirklees to support dog owners facing financial hardship.
Founded by canine nutritionist Sally Barker, The Good Paw Project was created in response to a growing number of owners struggling to afford dog food and essential care, despite wanting to keep their pets.
Rather than focusing solely on rehoming after crisis point, the project takes an early-intervention approach, offering practical, community-based support to help families stay together.
“In my work, I see owners who love their dogs deeply but are being forced into impossible decisions. Having to choose to feed yourself or your dog is not a choice people should have to make” says Sally. “Dogs are not being given up because they aren’t wanted — they’re being surrendered because people are struggling. The Good Paw Project exists to step in help before it reaches that point.”
The Good Paw Project works alongside local community organisations, including Huddersfield Street Kitchen, to support households experiencing food and financial insecurity and homelessness. By linking pet support with wider community assistance, the project aims to help both ends of the lead — people and their dogs.
The initiative has also partnered with Dragonfly Products, a local independent pet shop based in Slaithwaite, acting as a donation drop-off point for dog food and essentials. Community members can donate items directly, ensuring support reaches local owners quickly and practically.
Through partnerships with businesses, community venues, and supporters, The Good Paw Project provides access to donated dog food and essentials, alongside evidence-based nutrition guidance. This approach helps reduce unnecessary dog surrender while easing pressure on already overstretched rescue organisations.
Local businesses are also being invited to support the project by hosting donation bins, acting as collection points, donating surplus or short-dated stock, or supporting fundraising and awareness initiatives.
“Not every business can donate financially, but many want to help,” Sally adds. “We’ve made it easy for businesses and the community to support dogs and their owners in a meaningful way.”
The Good Paw Project is a registered Community Interest Company, ensuring all funds and resources are reinvested directly into community dog welfare.
Residents, businesses, and organisations interested in supporting or partnering with The Good Paw Project can find more information at: www.thegoodpawproject.org.uk
