What Take A Paws Offers
Take A Paws CA, LLC (TAP) is an organization that brings trained, certified and insured therapy pets for use in social or therapeutic interactions where emotional, psychological or physical support is needed. With a nature-based focus on healing, we offer private events and visits by request as well as regularly scheduled programs like our Take A Paws @ Chico State University and our Stampede to Read program. Our motto is "Healing Our Roots" which signifies that our healing can begin in the connection between humans and animals in nature, as many of our ancestors realized the reciprocal reverence and unique benefits that nature and animals have on us.
At Take A Paws CA, we provide a diverse range of services and opportunities aimed at harnessing the incredible benefits of animal connections. We believe in the transformative power of the human-animal bond and its ability to improve mental health and overall well-being.
Our main focus is animal-assisted interventions with various species of animals. We certify teams (both those interested in volunteering and those interested in incorporating a therapy animal into their profession) including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, scaly friends, and miniature horses/ponies. We offer services to the community including animal-assisted activities, animal-assisted Education, animal-assisted support groups, and animal-assisted life coaching. Additionally, we offer therapy animal training, consultation for teachers, therapists and more who are interested in implementing a therapy animal at their organization, trained and certified adoptable therapy animals, and regular events for our volunteer teams to attend.
In coming years we intend to open a therapy practice in Northern California in which we will offer Animal-assisted Counselling and Equine-assisted psychotherapy services. This is estimated to occur in 2026/2027.
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What We Offer to the Community:
Dog Training: Unlock your dog's full potential through our comprehensive dog training programs. We utilize positive reinforcement techniques to shape desired behaviors, enhance obedience, and strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.
Therapy Animal Certification: Become part of our esteemed therapy animal teams through our rigorous certification process. We evaluate and train animals to become certified therapy pets, capable of providing comfort, support, and healing to individuals in various settings. We offer insurance and ongoing mentoring to our teams (if certifying for your profession, you'll be guided to appropriate insurance coverage for your needs).
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluations: Earn the prestigious AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, a testament to your dog's good manners, obedience, and responsible ownership. This evaluation program sets a high standard for well-behaved dogs, showcasing their positive impact on society. This is required of all of our teams.
Full Membership Event Opportunities: Join our team and be part of our dynamic community. Our full membership therapy pet teams, actively engage in hands-on experiences all around the community, offering comfort and healing alongside their dedicated handlers in various settings with diverse populations. These events provide a unique opportunity to make a difference and connect with others, and give your pet an opportunity to socialize, practice their training skills, and get spoiled by animal lovers in your community who need their love.
Diverse Therapy Roles: We certify therapy dogs in various roles, including comforting therapy dogs, play therapy dogs, and trick therapy dogs. Each role serves a distinct purpose in providing emotional support, facilitating engagement, and bringing joy to those in need.
Adoptable and Fully Trained Therapy Animals: We offer a selection of adoptable animals that have undergone extensive training and certification as therapy animals. These loving companions are ready to join your facility or home, providing immediate therapeutic benefits and companionship. Our team will guide you through the adoption process and provide ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition.
Consultation on Implementing Therapy Animals: Our experienced team offers consultation services to help you successfully integrate therapy animals into your facility, practice, or classroom. We will assess your unique needs, provide recommendations on suitable animal partners, and guide you through the necessary steps to create a safe and effective therapy animal program. Our expertise ensures that you can harness the full potential of animal-assisted interventions.
Animal-Assisted Support Groups: We offer a range of support groups that combine the healing power of nature and the companionship of therapy animals. Our groups include an LGBT+ peer support group, a neurodiverse peer support group, and a former foster youth group. These sessions take place outdoors, allowing participants to benefit from the calming effects of nature while engaging with gentle therapy animals. Our support groups focus on community building and fostering healthy relationships among individuals with shared lived experiences. These low-cost programs provide a supportive and inclusive environment for personal growth and connection.
Training for Therapy Animal Handlers: We provide comprehensive training programs for individuals who wish to become certified therapy animal handlers. Our training covers topics such as animal behavior, communication techniques, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines. We equip handlers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively partner with their therapy animals and navigate various settings. Our training ensures that both the handler and the therapy animal are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the community.
Customized Therapy Animal Programs: We understand that each facility or organization has unique needs when it comes to implementing a therapy animal program. Our team works closely with you to develop customized programs tailored to your specific goals and target population. Whether you require regular visits from therapy animals, on-site therapy animal placements, or specialized interventions, we collaborate with you to create a program that maximizes the therapeutic benefits for your clients or students.
Dynamic Internships for Students: We offer a range of exciting internship opportunities for students interested in various fields related to therapy animals and mental health. Our internships provide hands-on experience and mentorship, allowing students to develop their skills and gain valuable insights into their chosen careers.
Join Us Today as a helping hands intern, full membership therapy team, or request a visit from our teams
Experience the profound impact of the human-animal bond and become part of a supportive community that is committed to making a difference.
Please note that services and events have nominal fees associated with them to ensure we can continue providing exceptional experiences and support to our members and community.
Together, let's create a brighter, more compassionate world through the power of animals. Take A Paws CA is here to guide and inspire you on this journey of healing and connection.