We Bring Comfort Where It’s Most Needed
Our certified therapy animals and their handlers bring unconditional love to thousands of people at hundreds of facilities throughout the Greater Houston area.
Become a member or host a pet therapy visit by our teams at your facility.
The Healing Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy
At Faithful Paws, our certified pet therapy teams visit individuals who are facing stress, health challenges, or isolation. Our dedicated volunteers bring the warmth and comfort of dogs, cats, and rabbits to a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and senior living communities.
Spreading Unconditional Love Since 1997
Founded almost three decades ago, Faithful Paws is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has grown to over 200 active teams, each trained in-house through our popular pet therapy classes to meet rigorous standards, including the AKC's Canine Good Citizen certification. Together, we bring healing and joy across the Greater Houston area, providing more than 15,000 visits yearly to those in need.
How to Get Involved with Pet-Assisted Therapy
Whether you have time to volunteer, represent a facility that could benefit from pet therapy visits, or support our cause, getting involved with Faithful Paws is a deeply rewarding experience. If our mission could be YOUR mission, here’s how to make it happen:
Become a Member
Join Faithful Paws with your pet to make a meaningful difference through pet therapy. We'll guide you every step of the way, from intensive pet therapy training to your first visit and throughout your continued service.
Host Pet Therapy
Invite our trained therapy dogs, cats, or rabbits into your facility to lift spirits and promote wellness. It's an easy way to provide peace and comfort to those you care for.
Donate Now
When you donate to Faithful Paws, you're investing in the health, joy, and unconditional love of people across Houston. Every dollar helps us bring more pets and smiles into the community.
Why Pet Therapy Works
Explore the research-supported benefits of pet therapy and see the real difference our visits make:
Stress Relief
Calming interactions with pets naturally reduce reduce cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone.
Heart Health
Regular pet therapy sessions are linked to lower blood pressure and improved heart health.
Combat Loneliness
Our pets provide companionship that helps alleviate loneliness and boost spirits.
Promote Social Interaction
Pet therapy encourages connection in environments that often lack social opportunities.
Aid in Pain Relief
Focus shifts away from pain to interaction, providing a natural form of relief during our visits and even after our pets leave.
Enhance Self-Worth
Positive interactions with therapy pets boost confidence and feelings of self-worth.
“If a patient doesn’t have hope, there is little that medicine can do to help.”
George Carrum, M.D.
Houston Methodist Hospital
That’s where pet therapy comes in!
Hear from Others
Hear from those we serve and those who serve with us. Read testimonials below that showcase the profound difference our pet therapy teams make in the Houston community.
“When I am at the hospital, I am so pleased to have visits from the Faithful Paws dogs and their owners. No matter how I am feeling on a given day, my spirits are always lifted by the sight of those blue vested furry angels and their dedicated owners.”
Chris Woods
Cancer Patient, Methodist Hospital in Katy & Retired Faithful Paws Member
“Faithful Paws has played an invaluable role in our assisted pet therapy volunteer program, bringing immeasurable delight to our patients and contributing significantly to the success of our partnership. Their exceptional level of professionalism, reliability, and the ease with which they collaborate have made a substantial impact on our organization.”
Valerie Navarro, MPH
Senior Volunteer Coordinator, Texas Children's Hospital
Our Impact in Numbers
Faithful Paws has consistently delivered love and support to communities across the Greater Houston area.
Our Pet Therapy Teams
Explore the stories and experiences of our active and past members who spread the spirit of our mission throughout Houston and beyond.
Catch Up on All Things Faithful Paws!
From volunteer stories to event highlights, our news section keeps you connected to the heart of our community's activities. Take a “paws” and check out our blog!
Dedicated to the Work: Trainer, Teammate, and True Dog Lover — Meet Kristin Morgan
At Faithful Paws, we are incredibly fortunate to have some truly remarkable volunteers and trainers among our members. These are people who not only love animals but dedicate their time…
What It Takes to Be a Pet Therapy Team
Behind the Magic of Every Visit When you see a therapy dog gently resting its head on a child’s lap or calming an anxious hospital patient with a single nuzzle,…
Come See Us at the 2025 Houston World Series of Dog Shows
Get ready for wagging tails, heartwarming stories, and a whole lot of furry fun! Faithful Paws Pet Therapy is thrilled to be part of the 2025 Houston World Series of…
Have a Question?
Need help before you begin the pet therapy application process or have questions about becoming a facility or making a donation? Contact us today to learn more.
