🐾 Paws of Hope: Crisis & Emergency Therapy Animals

🐶 Comfort When It Matters Most
Paws of Hope brings certified therapy animals to first responders, disaster sites, and communities affected by natural disasters or tragic events. Our trained therapy dogs provide immediate emotional support, helping individuals cope with stress, trauma, and grief during challenging times — completely free of charge.

🐕 How It Works

• On-Site Support: Therapy dogs visit disaster areas, emergency response centers, and affected communities to offer comfort, calm, and companionship.

• First Responder Assistance: EMTs, firefighters, police, and other emergency personnel can engage with therapy dogs during shifts or after particularly difficult incidents.

• Trained Handlers: All visits are facilitated by professional handlers who ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and humans.

• Flexible & Responsive: Our teams respond quickly to events, providing support wherever it’s needed most.
  
  

🌟 Who Can Benefit

• First Responders & Emergency Personnel: EMTs, firefighters, police, and support staff managing trauma and high-stress situations.

• Disaster-Affected Communities: Individuals and families coping with natural disasters, fires, floods, or community tragedies.

• Volunteers & Relief Workers: People providing aid in stressful environments who need emotional support to continue their vital work.
  
  

💖 Why It Works

• Stress Reduction: Interaction with therapy dogs lowers stress hormones, helping first responders and victims manage trauma.

• Emotional Support: Provides comfort, grounding, and moments of calm during chaotic or emotional situations.

• Community Healing: Therapy animals help foster connection, compassion, and resilience within communities experiencing hardship.
  
  

🌈 Community Impact
Paws of Hope therapy animals strengthen emotional resilience in both responders and community members, creating safe spaces for healing, reflection, and comfort during crises.

Backed By Science

1. Psychological Benefits of AACR Teams

A Psychology Today article discusses how AACR teams, composed of specially trained therapy animals and their handlers, provide vital emotional support during crises. The presence of therapy animals can soothe survivors and first responders alike, offering comfort during traumatic events. 

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2. Exploratory Study on AACR Handlers

An exploratory study published in the Purdue University Journal of Animal-Assisted Interventions investigates the experiences of 99 experienced AACR handlers. The study provides insights into the backgrounds, perceptions, and experiences of these canine handlers and their dogs, emphasizing the importance of specialized training and certification. 

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3. Characteristics of AACR Canine Handlers

A study published in the CAB International Journal examines the characteristics of canine handlers and their dogs in AACR. The research highlights the qualities, backgrounds, perceptions, and experiences of these specialized volunteer teams, underscoring the need for better understanding and support. 

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4. Combining AACR with Critical Incident Stress Management

An article from Crisis Response Canines explores how combining Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) with Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) can effectively address job-related stressors in first responders. The synergy between these approaches helps ameliorate the physical and mental health impacts of ongoing stressors. 

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5. Therapy Dogs in AACR: Physiological and Emotional Benefits

An article from Poky Dogs discusses the numerous benefits of therapy dogs in AACR, including physiological effects like lowered heart rate and blood pressure, emotional support, improved emotional expression and regulation, and reduced anxiety and stress. The presence of therapy dogs also alleviates feelings of isolation in individuals affected by trauma and crisis.

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📅 Request a Team
All crisis and emergency services are provided free of charge. Contact us to request a therapy animal team for your community or emergency response effort and bring comfort when it’s needed most.