Helfende Pfoten

Founded in 2023, Helfende Pfoten is a charity based in Overath, Germany working on disability, animal welfare, health.

Helfende Pfoten is a non-profit company (gGmbH) based in Overath, Germany, recognised as charitable by the Finanzamt Bergisch Gladbach in July 2023. It trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities, chronic illnesses and psychological strain, including a specialisation in support for people with ME/CFS. Beyond training, the organisation accompanies human-dog teams in daily life, advises on funding options and runs sponsorship programmes that let individuals and companies support specific puppies or teams. Its statutory purposes are the promotion of aid for people with disabilities and the promotion of animal welfare. The organisation was formed in May 2023 from the merger of an association and a partnership, and it has been accredited by Assistance Dogs International since June 2024. It works primarily with children and young people, and also supports adults where a dog is better suited to them. Its work is supported by donations, corporate partnerships, sponsorships and volunteers, and it reports its finances publicly.