Programs

Cancer Treatment

PAWS therapy teams are invited into waiting areas and chemotherapy labs to help both distract and comfort people during challenging medical procedures.

General Hospital Visiting

PAWS has partnered with several local hospitals allowing therapeutic support to patients in a multitude of hospital settings. Note: All hospitals require additional trainings through their volunteer services departments.  Recommended training: PATHS

Stress, defined as “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances,” is very prevalent in today’s society. Stress can manifest itself in many different areas of life, from student exam periods, to heavy workload times (think the accountant in April), or even in tragic circumstances, such as the death of a loved one or associate, or threats to one’s safety and well-being. PAWS for People teams offer the comfort of a loving therapy companion which can help alleviate stress people experience in many different situations. By simply being a presence onsite, therapy companions can lift spirits, decrease anxiety and bring a measured positive focus to the day. Many DeStress programs are offered through Community Events at PAWS; however, as the demand for these types of interactions increase, some sites have partnered with PAWS to provide regular DeStress sessions to their populations.

Autism Initiative

Therapy teams are trained to use basic behavioral strategies during visits with children on the Autism Spectrum, as kids with this disorder frequently connect well with animals. Mandatory Training: Autism Initiative

Mental & Physical Disabilities

Like our adult program, PAWS therapy teams visit at a variety of locations including hospitals and day/school programs, which serve kids with a broad spectrum of cognitive and physical disabilities. Recommended Training: Creative Connections

Mental Health/Behavioral Issues

PAWS Psychiatric Support program also works with residential inpatient and day programs for children and adolescents struggling with a variety of mental health issues. Mandatory training (within six months of initiating visits at mental health site): PS PAWS

PAWS for Reading

PAWS teams trained in this literacy support program work with kids in schools and libraries who are struggling or reluctant readers. We also work with English Language Learners of all ages as well as teens and adults who would benefit from the encouraging support of a therapy pet to improve their reading skills. Learn more about our PAWS for Reading Program:
Enjoy team visit photos and stories
PAWS for Reading Pet Picture Gallery
PAWS for Reading Schedule
PAWS for Reading Brochure
PAWS for Reading Program Funding
Pet Therapy Supporting Research

Mandatory Training: PAWS for Reading

Pre-K PAWS

PPre-K PAWS focuses on the special academic needs of 3 and 4 year old pre-readers. Using specially developed activity packets and a great therapy companion, our teams work with pre-readers on basic learning concepts. Our activity packs include matching colors and numbers, tracing lines, matching body parts, and more. This is an interactive way to encourage emergent readers to be excited about reading while accompanied by a loving, non-judgmental therapy companion. Pre-K PAWS programs are held during the day at partnering schools and libraries.

Mandatory Training: Pre-K PAWS

Child Advocacy/Courthouse Companions

Partnering with the Department of Social Services in Cecil & Harford Counties (MD), PAWS teams visit with children who are in the court and foster care system. Specially trained teams also visit in the courtroom waiting areas in Delaware County (PA). Mandatory Training: Courthouse Companions

Assisted Living

PAWS teams visit elders who have moved into assisted living facilities, many of whom have had to leave their pets behind and are thrilled to see a furry face.

Dementia

Animals are often able to connect in a way that people cannot, with elders whose minds are failing. Specially trained therapy teams work with many sites who house dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Mandatory Training (within six months of initiating visits at a dementia site): Thinking Outside the Box

Skilled Care

Commonly known as nursing homes, skilled care facilities support elders who need ongoing medical care.  PAWS teams visit those in skilled care and rehab facilities offering distraction and comfort from the stress of long-term illness.

Hospice

PAWS has partnered with several local hospice organizations offering training and certification for hospice volunteers to work with their own pets in this setting. Note: All volunteers interested in working in Hospice settings must complete the Hospice’s own volunteer training.

People are invited to contact PAWS for pet therapy visits when they think a visit with a loving PAWS pet and caring PAWS human would be beneficial for someone they care about. PAWS has provided services to children who have autism, spending time with a father in hospice care, sitting with patients receiving chemotherapy, and visiting with a woman with worsening Alzheimer’s helping her recall her youth and good times with her dog. Learn more and make a request.

PAWS in the Workplace provides trained pet-therapy teams the opportunity to provide pet therapy to people in need within their own workplace. Once PAWS and the PAWS member’s employer sign an agreement, PAWS will provide the therapy team’s workplace with:

1) Proof of PAWS certification including completion of:

a. Orientation b. Standards of Excellence (STEX) Testing c. Training d. Recertification as required

2) Proof of therapy companion’s vaccination records

3) Proof of PAWS membership in good standing

PAWS can also work with workplace to create:

1) A comprehensive pet therapy policy 2) Guidelines for handlers 3) Permission forms (if appropriate)

It is important to acknowledge that PAWS therapy companions are only covered under our commercial liability policy while they are visiting either at a sanctioned PAWS community event or at a PAWS partnering site. When a PAWS team works with their therapy companion at their workplace during their working hours, PAWS insurance is not in effect. The team would need to verify coverage either through their employer or their own homeowner’s policy. However, if the volunteer’s work place is a PAWS partnering site and they are visiting during non-work hours (on personal time), they would be covered under PAWS commercial liability policy.

Designed in conjunction with DEMA (Delaware Emergency Management Agency), PERTT volunteers are on call to ease the anxiety and fear of those who have been affected by a natural disaster (flood, fire, etc.) and placed into a temporary shelter. The teams will need to take a special training class through DEMA and pass their STEX test at the Advanced level. PERTT volunteers must also be PAWS members for at least six months prior to participating in this program.

More physically active PAWS dogs support Physical and Occupational therapists encouraging patients to work harder toward and enjoy reaching individual goals. Therapy teams work closely under the direction of the supervising therapists.