Meet The Therapy Teams
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Their dedication and commitment to the community is unsurpassed!
Hand in Paw is Alabama’s premier Animal-Assisted Therapy provider and a national leader in this growing field.
At Hand in Paw, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we train qualified animals and their owners to work as a team in therapeutic settings. HIP teams become heroes to people of all ages dealing with emotional and physical life challenges. These Therapy Teams deliver positive distraction, motivation, empathy and compassion in several facilities across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa.
Volunteers are the backbone of this organization and their dedication is unsurpassed.
People Always Ask...
Can you train my pet to be a therapy animal?
We do not offer obedience training at Hand in Paw. We are happy to assist you after you complete training to prepare for the final evaluation for Hand in Paw certification.
Does Hand in Paw provide service animals?
No, Hand in Paw is a human service organization that provides training and evaluations for therapy animals and their handlers; we do not have any association with service animals. Click here for a guide to different service animal organizations.
What are the pre-requisites to being a Hand in Paw Therapy Team?
Your pet must be at least 2 years old. You must have owned your pet for at least six months. If volunteering with your dog, you and your dog must have completed a basic group obedience class.
How old does someone have to be to volunteer?
Hand in Paw volunteers are required to be at least 18 years old.