Employment is the pathway to independence and helps define one’s place in community life. During training, Paws students learn job skills baking dog treats, sewing dog bandanas, and crafting other products. Skills include operating commercial kitchen equipment, operating a cash register, cleaning and janitorial tasks, sewing, baking, packaging, inventory, and customer service. Trainees run the Olathe PawsAbilities retail store and the mobile pop-up store which visits local businesses and events. Educational classes consist of pre-employment skills, such as building resumes, exploring job interests, conducting online job searches, and growing communication skills.