MISSION STATEMENT:

Paws with a Purpose is a tax exempt, non profit organization of dedicated volunteers and their pets who provide animal assisted activities (AAA) and animal assisted therapy (AAT) services to individuals of all ages with physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs in healthcare facilities and educational programs.

DEFINITIONS:

AAA is geared to providing individuals with motivational opportunities. Interaction is not targeted towards any one individual and generally there are no treatment goals or documentation of the visits. AAT is goal-directed intervention in which the animal meets specific criteria and is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is directed or delivered by a health/human service professional. Specified goals and objectives are targeted for the individual and progress is measured and recorded.

PROGRAMS:

Volunteers and their pets currently have regularly scheduled visits at Hospitals, hospice and classrooms for special needs children and with students who need assistance in improving their reading skills. The pets in these programs are certified through national organizations. In order to obtain certification, pets must be tested to determine if they have the proper temperament and control.

HISTORY

Paws with a Purpose started innocently enough at Mission Hospitals in the Pediatic Unit as a pilot program in October of 1999, after approximately a year of research, policy drafts and committee meetings.  At that time we consisted of 3 human and 2 dog volunteers.

COSTS:

There is no charge for these services.

VOLUNTEERS:

Volunteers are the organizations most valuable assets. The organization is solely volunteer driven in all aspects.

FUNDING:

Paws with a Purpose receives funding from grants, corporate and individual contributions and sponsorships.

Zoie with patient at Mission Hospitals. (Photo compliments of Jim Lawrence)

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