Changing lives one animal at a time!

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!

Our Mission

Paws For Patrick is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the mental health of young people through the emotional support of animals.

We provide the funds and resources to bring the love of animals to the people who need it most.

Using our Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and Therapy Dog programs, we provide the funds and resources to bring the love of animals to the people who need it most—helping clients across the country with the costs associated with ESA letters, adoption, and training. We also seek to raise awareness of mental illness and break the stigma that still exists.

Patrick’s animals, especially his beloved dog Cici, gave him a sense of peace and love that no human could ever provide. This work can never bring Patrick back, and the pain of his loss will never go away, yet his memory and legacy still live on most profoundly.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS

Using our Emotional Support Animal program, let us help you with your journey to acquiring an ESA.

Learn more

ESA Request Form

Make a donation.

"Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling the emptiness we didn't ever know we had." - Thom Jones

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What is an ESA Letter?

An ESA (Emotional Support Animal) letter is a document provided by a licensed mental health professional that certifies an individual's need for an emotional support animal. This letter is typically prescribed to people who have a mental health condition or emotional disorder and can benefit from the companionship and support of an animal. The ESA letter provides certain legal protections under laws such as the Fair Housing Act (FHA). It usually allows individuals to live with their emotional support animal in housing that might otherwise have pet restrictions. An ESA letter does not provide protections for traveling with a pet or assistance animal. To travel with your animal worry-free, they must be a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD.)

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GET INVOLVED

From donations, and volunteer opportunities to fundraising events, there are many opportunities to get involved.

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Thank you to everyone who Turned Our Towns Green this Mental Health Awareness Month. We are certainly showing the love and sharing the love to end the stigma around mental health. 💚💚💚 Let’s keep it going all year round. ✨

Mindful moments during Mental Health Awareness Month. 💚 Remember, YOU MATTER! 🐾✨

#mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthmatters #emotionalsupportanimals #pawsforpatrick

When humans and dogs interact with each other in a positive way, they both exhibit a surge in oxytocin, a hormone related to positive emotional states. 🧠✨💡

#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #emotionalsupportanimal #pawsforpatrick

Mental Health Tips! 💡 Panic attacks are never easy to handle. These are just a few tips for how to recognize your panic attack and check back in with your body and mind. 🧠💪

#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #emotionalsupportanim

We love seeing you all Show the Love and Share the Love to Turn our Towns Green this Mental Health Awareness Month! 💚💚💚 Keep it going and show us your love. Tag us in your green and pass it along. Together let’s end the stigma around mental

Therapy Dogs in Action📸

Jamie and Therapy Dog Jax at @simplybeecounseling Mental Health Action Day walk in Libertyville, IL. 💚🐶🐾

Animals have a number of benefits for human beings. Whether it be for depression, anxiety or physical injury. 🐾 Visit the link in our bio to learn more about how ESAs and Paws For Patrick can help you. 💚

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

988

If you or someone you love are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.