Pet Away Worry and Stress (PAWS)

Pet Away Worry and Stress (PAWS)

Binghamton University’s Pet Away Worry and Stress (PAWS) program provides students, faculty and staff, Animal-Assisted Interactions (AAI) with registered therapy dogs. Started in fall 2022, the PAWS program promotes a culture of social connectedness and encourages campus community members to seek out healthy outlets for stress reduction.

PAWS Events

Find more information about upcoming PAWS events on B-Engaged.

Fall semester events and programming will be annouced in August 2024.

Event Schedule and Details

REQUEST A PAWS EVENT

Program Volunteer FAQs

• Handlers: Please complete the steps outlined prior to beginning any volunteer service. 
  1. Complete the Volunteer Application Form. Your application and availability will be reviewed by the program coordinator. 
  2. Important note: Your therapy dog must be a member and in good standing of either the Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs or the Paws for Friendship organizations.
  3. Come to Campus for an onboarding visit.

  • At the meeting the program coordinator will evaluate the canine’s temperament, review the University’s standards of behavior, coordinate scheduling, and go over any additional details about the program.
  • If not already submitted, copies of the canine’s therapy dog certification, and current vaccinations (Rabies and DHPP – Distemper and Parvo) must be brought to the meeting.
  • Documents may also be emailed in advance to bhealthy@binghamton.edu.
• What are the handler requirements for participating in the PAWS program?
  Handlers must be at least 18 years of age. Please note: Binghamton University is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus.
• What are the canine requirements for participating in the PAWS program?
  Canines must be a member in good standing of either the Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs organization or the Paws for Friendship organization. In addition, canines must be up-to-date on their rabies and DHPP vaccines.
• What is the minimum volunteer/handler commitment?
  At least one 2-hour visitation every other week during the academic semester. The canine’s schedule is to be agreed upon by the handler and the program coordinator prior to any visits to campus. In addition to regularly scheduled “office hours,” special appearance requests for University events will be coordinated on a case-by-case basis.
• Where do PAWS visits take place on campus?
  In addition to the designated space in the Healthy Campus office complex, canine visits may also be conducted outside, in the library, residential halls, the University Union, etc. Handlers will be notified of visit locations prior to their arrival on campus.
• Does my canine need to wear an ID badge or uniform while on campus?
  We strongly encourage canines to wear the Binghamton University PAWS bandana that will be issued upon acceptance into the program. 
• Do I need to bathe my canine prior to my volunteer visit?
  We strongly encourage handlers to bath their canines within 48 hours prior to each campus visit to ensure the canines are free from fleas and ticks.
• Does my canine need to be kept on a leash?
  Canines must be kept on a 4-foot or 6-foot leash, under the handler’s control, at all times while on campus. The only exception to this policy is when canines are secured within a designated PAWS program space, and wtih approval from the program coordinator.
• What happens if my canine urinates or defecates while on campus property?
  Accidents happen! Handlers are responsible for picking up after their canines if they defecate outside. If the canine accidentally urinates or defecates inside, immediately notify the Healthy Campus staff member on duty.

Questions?

Contact the program coordinator at bhealthy@binghamton.edu.