Beyond the warm & fuzzy!  Pets are playing an increasing role in satisfying human needs for intimacy, nurturance and contact with nature.  The benefits of visiting with appropriate animals and trained volunteers have now been scientifically proven to increase stress reducing hormones and neurotransmitters; reduce heart, lung and blood pressure; and improve socialization, self-esteem and motivation.  Although we don’t charge a fee for our services, our programs are by no means casual, trivial or careless.  

Angel Paws is both a Delta Society Pet Partners®  and Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.®)  affiliate organization and all of our animal/handler teams are rigorously screened by a trained and licensed Delta Society Pet Partners® Team Evaluator/Instructor, go through detailed preparation for each visit, and have been extensively trained to conduct themselves with sensitivity and professionalism while interacting with various recipient populations.  Angel Paws is currently implementing comprehensive programs at specific local health care and educational facilities.  As our volunteer base grows we look forward to expanding to new facilities on our waiting list. 
     
Some volunteer candidates have been surprised and disappointed by our extensive volunteer screening and training process.  This is understandable and we wish that willing, open hearts were sufficient to meet the required standards.  Rest assured that Angel Paws receives no portion of any volunteer fees that are necessary to provide a quality service to our community and to preserve the integrity, credibility and reputation of Angel Paws as an organization and other quality AAA/T programs as well as protect Angel Paws, volunteers and facilities from potential liability. Scholarships may be available to qualified candidates!  The good news is that as a Delta Society Pet Partners® affiliate organization our volunteers receive discounts on all training and registration fees and as a registered Angel Paws/Delta Society Pet Partners® therapy team you and your pet will carry a $2,000,000. primary liability insurance policy among other benefits including: additional, free volunteer training; free animal/handler photo ID; free animal collar ID tag; animal/handler uniforms; and free photo calling cards for your pet.  And, best of all, you will be a member of a top quality, standards based local program we can all be proud to be a part of!  

I look forward to introducing you to the many rewards of Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy and can be reached at 740.364.0824 should you have any questions at all.  Meanwhile, please explore our web site for more information, photos, videos etc.