When it comes to choosing treats for our dogs, most of us look for a few key things: quality ingredients, the dogs love it, and a fun product we like giving our pets. Every once in a while, we come across a brand that offers something even more meaningful. Finley's is one of those brands!
At first glance, Finley's are what most pet parents are looking for: simple, wholesome treats made with quality ingredients that pets love. Behind every bag is a mission that goes far beyond snack time. Finley's was founded with the goal of creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, building a more inclusive workforce while making simple delicious treats any dog would love. Founded in 2016 by former special education teachers, Angie and Kyle Gallus, Finley's has grown into a nationally recognized pet brand while staying true to their mission!
The Story Behind Finley's
Before launching the company, founders Angie and Kyle Gallus worked as special education teachers. Through their work with students and young adults with disabilities, they saw firsthand how difficult it could be to find meaningful employment opportunities after graduation. Of the 6.5 million people in the U.S. with intellectual and developmental disabilities, only 19% of them are employed. Many capable individuals are eager to work but struggle to find employers willing to give them a chance.
The Galluses realized that pets could be a powerful way to create opportunities, build confidence, and help people develop valuable workplace skills. Finley’s was born from the lessons about unconditional love and support we can learn from our pets. In 2016 Angie’s former students were employed by Finley’s in a neighborhood commissary kitchen to bake and sell Finley’s treats! One year later Finley’s was able to partner with retailers to sell their treats in store. By 2020 Finleys was able to expand and grow their business throughout the midwest, hiring more ambassadors and providing more job opportunities! Today, Finley's is nationally recognized in the U.S. and Canada! Finley’s continues their mission by creating jobs, supporting advocacy efforts, and helping raise awareness about the importance of inclusive employment.
There are countless dog treats on the market, but Finley's stands apart because every purchase helps support a larger purpose. Rather than simply donating proceeds to a cause, Finley's actively incorporates people with disabilities into their business through their Ambassador Program and other employment initiatives. This creates real-world job opportunities while helping ambassadors build confidence, communication skills, and hands-on professional experience.
Meet the Finley's Ambassadors
One of the most unique aspects of Finley's is its Ambassador Program.
Finley's Ambassadors are individuals with disabilities who help represent the brand in communities and retail locations. They participate in product demonstrations, educational events, community outreach, marketing initiatives, and advocacy efforts. Their role helps share not only the Finley's products, but also the company's message of inclusion and opportunity.
In fact, Finley's has created employment opportunities for more than 160 ambassadors across 20 states since the company was founded. These ambassadors serve as the face of the brand, helping educate pet parents while demonstrating the value that inclusive employment brings to businesses and our communities.
At Rumford, our stores are fortunate enough to have Finley's Ambassadors visit and interact with customers. These visits offer a chance to learn more about the products and see firsthand how a simple bag of dog treats can elevate both peoples and pets lives. Our ambassadors love to talk about the product, pass out treats, and see your pets!
What's Inside Finley's Biscuits?
Finley's treats have earned a loyal following among dogs of all sizes. Their oven-baked biscuits and training bites are made with simple, wholesome ingredients and avoid many of the fillers that pet parents prefer to skip. Finley's focuses on quality recipes designed to be both delicious and easy to share as everyday rewards. All of their biscuits are made with 7 ingredients or less making it a great option for dogs who have allergies. They offer 4 different flavors of biscuits: Peanut Butter & Banana, Peanut Butter & Pumpkin, Apple & Cinnamon, and Blueberry & Coconut. Their soft bites have more meatier options like lamb, turkey, salmon, and duck. Whether you're using them in training or as a special snack Finley's provide many tasty options for your dog!
Not only does Finley’s produce quality treats, but they also demonstrate how businesses can create meaningful change through inclusive hiring practices and community engagement. Every bag represents an opportunity to support both dogs and people! It’s hard not to love Finley’s!
A Treat That Gives Back
The next time you're browsing our treats, take a look at Finley's. Your dog will get a tasty treat, and you'll be supporting a company dedicated to making a difference! This month the biscuits are buy one get one free, making it a great time to try them!
