Pet Assisted Wellness at Stanford (PAWS)

We are seeking volunteer pet therapy teams (handler and dog) to visit patients at the bedside, families in waiting areas, and to reduce stress levels among staff.  If you feel your dog can demonstrate how to follow basic obedience commands, has the desire and aptitude to be around strangers and other animals, is comfortable in new environments, and would pass a veterinarian health screening, your dog may be eligible to volunteer in many capacities.  Adults are required to meet volunteer guidelines.

Animals
All of the animals who participate in Stanford Health Care’s PAWS program must be certified by Pet Partners. After your animal receives Pet Partners certification, additional screenings by PAWS evaluators are required before you and your animal are selected to be a "PAWS Team” at Stanford.

Handlers
All human volunteers must pass a series of Stanford Health Care online compliance modules, medical requirements, and receive Pet Partner certification with their animal before being accepted into the PAWS Program.

This process can take over six months to accomplish.