What started as an outreach program in 1995 has grown into an organization with a wide footprint in the San Antonio area, with thousands of people served each year. PAWS for Service trains, certifies and places therapy dog teams in the greater San Antonio area. PAWS members and their dogs volunteer their time to encourage, support and comfort people. We visit children and adults whose activities and interactions are limited due to health or other reasons. We support hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, Veterans services and Schools.
Donating is simple and easy. But most of all, it’s keeping helping people and organizations all across San Antonio.
At PAWS for Service, we only train therapy dogs.
Many people use the terms “therapy dog” and “service dog” interchangeably, but there are major differences between the two.
A Service Dog helps individuals perform tasks they cannot do for themselves because of a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act governs the use of service dogs in public places. A service dog typically wears a vest with the words “please do not pet,” indicating that the dog is working.
Therapy Dogs do not have federally granted legal access to the types of public areas afforded to service dogs. A therapy dog and his handler/owner visit facilities such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, VA facilities and schools. A therapy dog is there to be petted and provide comfort and affection to individuals at various places that request a visit.
We are glad to help you find the information you need to inquire about membership, requesting a therapy dog visit, or getting more involved in this amazing cause.
Our comprehensive program includes behavioral dog training with specialized skills to complement animal visitations. Our classes include simulated and actual visitation experiences with personalized attention to each team. Classes have been developed to improve the existing bond between owners and their dogs.
We hold evening classes during the spring and fall at University United Methodist Church.