Paws Across Texas Animal Assisted Therapy

PAWS ACROSS TEXAS, INC.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

P. O. Box 164084
Fort Worth, Texas 76161-4084

Founded in 1986 -- A nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization

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FAQs

WHAT IS ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY (Pet Therapy)?

This form of therapeutic modality is the introduction of an animal into the immediate environment of an individual or group, as a medium for interaction for the purpose of causing physical, psychosocial, or emotional responses. Other names of the same format are animal-facilitated therapy, pet-facilitated therapy, pet-assisted therapy, or companion-animal-assisted therapy.

Research has shown that many humans have a natural love for animals. Some have pets as companion animals for emotional support, stress relief, companionship when alone, entertainment, sport, or sociability. If properly utilized, this bonding furnishes a format for responsive interactions not otherwise possible by other human stimuli.

PAWS ACROSS TEXAS (P A T) Therapy Dogs are NOT Service or Assistance Dogs. P A T Therapy Dogs are registered and certified through a selection and training program which in turn allows them and their owners/handlers to provide a special "service" in the community. In their "working" capacity P A T Therapy Dogs ONLY have access to authorized P A T facilities and DO NOT have the same legal rights as Assistance or Service Dogs. It is disrespectful of the rights of persons with disabilities requiring the use of a certified service/assistance animal to identify a P A T Therapy Dog as a Service Dog. Such action may affect the continuance of the P A T Therapy Dog registration and/or P A T membership.

For further information on Service/Assistance Dogs identification and access, contact legal council concerning the ADA and also the Delta Society.

Paws Across Texas, Inc. (PAT) reserves the right to restrict and approve the use and distribution of all information and documentation, in any form, directly related to PAT, its policies and procedures.

The training techniques and programming provided by PAT remain the property of the PAT organization and duplication without permission is prohibited. Materials are protected by Copyright Law (Title 17 U. S. Code).