Welcome & Thank You For Your Interest!
"As we focus our love where it flows most easily our capacity to love expands."
- Marianne Williamson
"I have managed over 125 different health care facilities in 14 states and Angel Paws is different than any other pet therapy program I have experienced in that your volunteers are highly professional, start to finish. I believe that Angel Paws is a role model for anyone seeking true Animal Assisted Therapy in a health care setting." - John Hughes, Former Owner/Administrator, Flint Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation
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A NEW TIME CALLS FOR NEW TECHNIQUES! As health care and education today face unprecedented challenges Angel Paws volunteers have been making a positive difference in our community since 2003 by safely and effectively sharing the magical benefits only a cold wet nose, furry toes & wagging tail can offer! Our journey has provided us with many unexpected rewards and valuable lessons we are eager to share with you! We hope you find our web site informative and inspiring ~ something for everyone! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to us directly if you have trouble finding your answers by clicking on the links to pages suggested below (in purple or light blue text) &/or our list of FAQs.
We would be absolutely thrilled to have you, with or without a pet, volunteering with us and look forward to helping you though our training and registration process as needed! Meanwhile, you might also find the Introductory Information & Videos on our Introduction to Animal Assisted Activities & Therapy , What is Animal Assisted Activities & Therapy? , and What is a Pet Partners Therapy Team? pages interesting. Dog training is particularly important to begin ASAP so please check our Can My Dog be a Therapy Dog? (for alternate species too) Therapy Dog Training Position Statement, Does my Dog Need Special Therapy Dog Training?, Therapy Dog Training and related pages for that information. If you are interested in volunteering without a pet please see our Auxiliary Angels page! |
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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. Because of the increasing popularity of such programs comprehensive screening and training is essential to maximize benefits and minimize risks for all concerned. If you are a facility interested in implementing one of our programs please see our Program Implementation information & us directly. If you would like a presentation for your club or organization please see our Community page & us directly. If you are interested in offering financial assistance, in-kind support or sponsoring a therapy animal/hander team in need - THANK YOU! - & please visit our Donations page.
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 and trained 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. |
VIDEO "Moment By Moment"
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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.
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.
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Happy Tails!
Patti Shanaberg Licensed Delta Society Pet Partners Team Evaluator/Instructor President/Founder ANGEL PAWS AAA/T A Delta Society Pet Partners & R.E.A.D. affiliate organization |
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