Hand-in-Paw
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Birmingham, Alabama  ·  Animal-Assisted Therapy since 1996

Healing happens
one paw at a time.

Hand in Paw trains volunteer Therapy Teams — people and their pets — to bring comfort, connection, and hope to hospitals, schools, and care communities across Alabama. At no cost to the people who need them.
Support Our Mission
Watch Our Story
Birmingham, Alabama  ·  Animal-Assisted Therapy since 1996

Healing happens
one paw at a time.

Hand in Paw trains volunteer Therapy Teams — people and their pets — to bring comfort, connection, and hope to hospitals, schools, and care communities across Alabama. At no cost to the people who need them.
Support Our Mission
Watch Our Story
Program Partners
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Volunteer Therapy Teams
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Visit Assistants
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Years in Birmingham
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What we do

Three program areas. One mission: comfort where it's needed most.

Every Hand in Paw visit is led by a trained, evaluated Therapy Team and tailored to the goals of the hospital, school, or organization we serve — always at no cost to our Program Partners.

Health & Well-being

Therapy Teams reduce stress and lift spirits for patients, families, and the healthcare professionals who care for them.

Learn more  →

Education

Sit, Stay, Read! and classroom visits help students build confidence, focus, and a genuine love of reading.
Learn more  →

Resilience

Empathy, connection, and care for youth, seniors, community groups, and employees navigating hard seasons.
Learn more  →
Stephanie Stoltzner with three therapy dogs for Hand in Paw's volunteer programs
Handler and dog demonstrate therapy team skills during Hand in Paw training.
About Hand in Paw

Alabama's leading provider of Animal-Assisted Therapy — and a national leader in the field.

We train volunteer Therapy Teams — people and their pets — to work together in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, workplaces, and community organizations. Our Teams provide structured, compassionate interactions for people of all ages facing emotional, cognitive, physical, and social challenges.
  • Compassionate, professionally evaluated volunteer Teams
  • Structured programs built around each partner's goals
  • Always free to the hospitals, schools, and organizations we serve
Our Story
Meet the Teams

“A Therapy Animal may not change the world — but for someone in pain, they can change one moment. And sometimes, that moment is everything.”

From the Tales Blog  ·  Quiet Moment of Healing: How One Therapy Dog Helped a Nurse Grieve
Read Mark & Sadie's Story
Hand in Paw handler with golden retriever therapy dog. Text reads: Sometimes healing doesn’t require words — just a quiet moment with a Therapy Dog who understands.
Get involved

There's a place for you in the pack.

Whether you have a gentle dog, a generous heart, or a community that needs a visit — here’s how to start.

Volunteer

Become a registered Therapy Team with your dog or cat — or help as a Visit Assistant, no pet required.

Start Volunteering

Request a Visit

Hospitals, schools, and organizations across Central Alabama can request a Therapy Team visit at no cost.
Request a Visit

Give

Join The Pack monthly giving community or make a one-time gift. Every dollar keeps visits free for our partners.
Support Our Mission
Signature events

Birmingham's most dog- friendly calendar.

View Full Calendar
Spring · Dog-friendly 5K & Fun Run

Mutt Strut

August · signature gala & art auction

Picasso Pets

October · Costumes, Brews & Pups

Barktoberfest

Upcoming Events

Barktoberfest 2026
October 16, 2026 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Barktoberfest 2026

Cahaba Brewing Company

Join us on Friday, October 16, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Company for a spirited pet costume contest, a stein hoist competition, and an Oktoberfest-themed photo booth while you enjoy craft…

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Santa Paws Pet Photos 🎅 🐾
November 14, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Santa Paws Pet Photos 🎅 🐾

Hand in Paw Training Center

Bring your well-behaved pets and family to the Hand in Paw Training Center on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon for festive photos with Santa Paws! Capture a special holiday…

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Tales Blog

Mission moments, straight from the field.

Read the Blog
Get in touch

Have a question, a gentle pet, or a room full of people who could use a visit?

We’d love to hear from you. Our office is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact Us
(205) 322-5144
Hand in Paw  ·  617 38th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222