Therapy Dog Program
Paws for Patrick’s Therapy Dog Program brings certified therapy dogs into group settings to support young people through meaningful, calming interactions.
Therapy animals are well-trained and tested companion animals that volunteer with their owners, providing support and companionship to others in the community. At home, they are regular pets and do not provide any formal support to individuals in their households. Therapy animals do not have public access rights. Rather, therapy dog access is by invitation only. While Paws for Patrick only works with dogs, therapy animals can be a variety of different species, including cats, horses, and donkeys.
Our team of therapy 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?
Looking to become a Paws for Patrick Therapy Dog Handler?
As the demand for our Therapy Dog services continues to grow, we're looking to expand our team of compassionate and committed volunteers. If you and your dog are ready to make a difference, we invite you to get involved.
Paws for Wellness Corporate Outreach Program
Through our Paws for Wellness Initiative, corporate partners can request therapy dog visits to uplift and de-stress employees, clients, tenants, and more. These visits promote well-being and demonstrate your commitment to mental health. We request tax-deductible donations for corporate visits.
Partner and Handler Resources
-
Partner Resources
Here you’ll find our Insurance Proof, Memorandum of Understanding, Photo Release, Waiver Copy, and a detailed Description of our Certification Process, all designed to ensure clarity, consistency, and confidence in every partnership.
-
Handler Resources
Password-protected and designed exclusively for our volunteer handlers. Inside, you’ll find quick access to our Newsletter Archive, helpful ATD Links, and ATD Guidelines, all in one place to keep you informed, supported, and connected.