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Knox - PAWS therapyPAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Support) is the therapy dog visitation program at UNC Health Appalachian. The program offers patients an opportunity to ‘pause’ and forget about their treatment for a few moments while interacting with a registered therapy dog.

Animals provide many therapeutic and health benefits. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pet therapy can aid in achieving human physical, social, emotional and cognitive function goals. Pet therapy visits typically last a few minutes and can help reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, promote social interaction and provide encouragement and motivation during the treatment and recovery process.

PAWS teams are available to visit patients at UNC Health Appalachian facilities upon request.

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Pet Therapy Dog Qualifications

PAWS handlers must successfully complete the process to become an UNC Health Appalachian PAWS volunteer. Once approved, the dog and handler team receive an official (ARHS) Volunteer ID Badge and may begin visiting at an approved UNC Health Appalachian facilities.

Requirements:

  • Dog’s owner must have insurance
  • Current pet health and vaccination record
  • Therapy dog certification documentation
  • Contact information for veterinarian

PAWS dogs must be certified or registered by:

  • Alliance of Therapy Dogs / Therapy Dogs Inc.
  • Therapy Dogs International
  • Therapy Pets Unlimited

To volunteer with the PAWS program, call (828) 737-7538.



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