Your Questions, Our Answers

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal is an integral part of the treatment process. It is used to improve physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning of the human participant. At Paws for Therapy, our trained dogs provide comfort and support.

While there are no specific breed requirements, therapy dogs must possess a calm temperament, be well-socialized, friendly, and obedient. They must enjoy interacting with people and be comfortable in various environments. Many breeds and mixes make wonderful therapy dogs!

Yes, Paws for Therapy is a proud 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and directly support our mission to bring comfort and joy to the community.

You can easily request a visit by filling out our online "Request a Visit" form on our website. Please provide details about your facility or individual needs, and our team will be in touch to coordinate. We recommend submitting your request 2-4 weeks in advance.

Paws for Therapy operates on a donation basis for most visits. While we do not charge a fee for our services, we gratefully accept donations to help cover our operational costs, training programs, and ensure we can continue reaching those in need.

The safety and well-being of both our clients and our therapy teams are paramount. All dogs are fully vaccinated, regularly health-checked, and meticulously groomed. Our handlers are thoroughly trained in infection control and interaction protocols. We always ensure a clean, controlled environment for every visit.

Your dog must be at least one year old, up-to-date on all vaccinations, and pass a comprehensive temperament test demonstrating calmness, obedience, and friendliness towards strangers. They should be comfortable with various noises, equipment, and people.

We ask our volunteers to commit to a minimum of 2-4 hours per month. However, many volunteers choose to dedicate more time, and we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate different availability levels. Your dedication, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated.

No prior experience is required! We provide comprehensive training for both new handlers and their dogs, covering everything from interaction techniques to safety protocols. We'll ensure you and your dog are fully prepared and confident before your first visit.

Your generous donations directly support our mission by funding dog training and certification, volunteer background checks, essential supplies for our teams, and outreach programs to reach more facilities and individuals in need. Every dollar helps us bring comfort and joy.

Yes! Recurring donations provide sustainable support for our programs. You can set up a monthly, quarterly, or annual recurring donation through our secure online donation portal.

As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all monetary donations to Paws for Therapy are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. You will receive a tax receipt for your contribution.