THERAPY DOGS
Paws for Patrick’s Therapy Dog Program brings certified therapy dogs into group settings to support young people through meaningful, calming interactions.
Our team of 38 dogs and their trained handlers visit schools, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) to help reduce anxiety, lift spirits, and encourage open conversation among children and young adults up to age 30 who are navigating mental health challenges.
These visits—simple but powerful—are easily adapted to different settings and leave a lasting positive impact.
Interested in a visit? Contact Donna at donna@pawsforpatrick.org
Interested in becoming a Therapy Dog Handler...Check out what makes a great team...
Qualifications:
Key Traits of a Successful Paws for Patrick Therapy Dog:
Calm, mild-mannered, and friendly with people
Ability to work closely with other dogs without becoming distracted
Enjoys being petted by strangers and is loving and approachable
Responds well to basic commands and is eager to please
Adaptable, able to adjust to different populations, including those at Mental Health Organizations or working with younger clients
Non-reactive, able to stay focused in environments with large groups, including younger children
Key Traits of a Successful Paws for Patrick Handler:
Able to maintain a disciplined relationship with your dog
Passionate about helping young people who are living with mental health challenges.
Reliable, committed, and dedicated to your role
Confident and engaged when interacting with clients and your dog
Flexible with time commitments and event types
Comfortable in diverse settings, such as mental health organizations, therapeutic programs, and schools during stressful times
All prospective therapy dogs begin with an initial assessment to determine whether they have the temperament required for therapy work. If they pass this initial evaluation, the dog and handler begin training to meet the standards set by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), an international registry for certified therapy dog teams.
To earn certification from ATD, the team must complete in-person evaluations that assess the dog's behavior and manners, as well as the handler's control and communication skills. As part of the certification process, the team is observed during three supervised visits to medical facility residents.
Once these visits are successfully completed and the handler submits all required documentation—including proof of current vaccinations, a negative fecal exam, and a criminal background check—the dog and handler can apply to become a certified Therapy Team with Paws for Patrick.
If interested in becoming a Therapy Dog Handler, please get in touch with donna@pawsforpatrick.org.
Paws for Patrick provides continual care and support to our clients and the communities we serve. Services provided by Paws for Patrick are free; however, as a nonprofit organization, we rely solely on the generosity of individual, community, and corporate donations to help us achieve our mission.
ESA REQUEST
ESA REQUEST
Please fill out the form to give us an idea of how we can help you. This form can be used for those individuals who are looking for help with an ESA letter, adopting an ESA, or simply getting training for your current animal. We can help with any or all of the above.