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 (PAT) Therapy Dogs are NOT Service or Assistance Dogs. PAT
Therapy dogs are privately owned pets" who have been registered and certified through a
selection and training program, which in turn allows them and their owners/handlers to provide
a special "service" to the community. In their "working" capacity PAT Therapy Dogs only have
access to authorized PAT facilities and DO NOT have the same legal rights as Assistance or
Service Dogs since they perform no tasks which are directly related to a PAT owner/handler’s
disability.

To identify a PAT Therapy Dog as a Service Dog is disrespectful of the rights of persons
having an impairment or disability that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities
which requires the use of a certified service/assistance animal. Such action may affect the
continuance of the PAT Therapy Dog registration and/or PAT membership.

For further information on Service/Assistance Dogs, identification and access, contact www.ada.gov .

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).