Paws for Mental Health
Advancing Mental Health and Community Wellbeing Through Animal-Assisted Supports
Animals Have an Extraordinary Ability to Reach People
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When words fall short, animals can create comfort, trust, and connection.
Through therapy animals and community partnerships, Paws for Mental Health supports youth, seniors, first responders, and individuals experiencing trauma, grief, and isolation.
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This program is designed to create meaningful, accessible wellness opportunities that strengthen the bond between people and animals while reducing loneliness and building community, with support from Ambassador Calgary Flames defenceman Zach Whitecloud.
Provide Accessible Mental Wellness Opportunities
Creating barrier free, welcoming spaces in our facility where people can connect, heal, and feel supported.
Support Preventative Wellness
Helping individuals access support before they reach a crisis point.
Strengthen Community Connection
Bringing people together through compassion, shared experiences, and animal companionship.
Promote the Benefits of the Human Animal Bond
Highlighting the powerful role animals play in emotional wellness and recovery.
Reduce Loneliness and Isolation
Offering comfort, routine, and emotional connection through animal-assisted support.
Our program offers a variety of welcoming, low-barrier spaces and experiences designed to support emotional wellbeing through connection, creativity, and animal companionship.
Creative Wellness Studio
A quiet creative space designed for therapeutic art activities, including - colouring and drawing, simple painting sessions, guided creative expression activities, and crafting homemade pet toys.
Mobile Wellness Programming
Collaborations with local organizations, including schools, seniors’ homes, and workplaces, to bring animal-assisted wellness programming directly into the community. These partnerships help expand access and ensure support reaches individuals where they are.
Drop-In Connection Space
An accessible, welcoming environment where individuals can spend time with animals, connect with others, or simply exist in a supportive space. This low-barrier approach ensures that support is available when it’s needed most.
Community Wellness Room​
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A multi-purpose space designed to host community wellness programing including:
- puppy yoga classes
- painting workshops
- guest speakers and wellness talks
- community gatherings and more
Meet the Starting Line Up
Dorothy
Blanche
Goldie
Simon
Auggie
Our program dogs are at the heart of this experience, offering comfort, connection, and a calming presence to those who visit. Each dog is thoughtfully selected for their gentle temperament and love of people.
With staff guidance, they help create a welcoming environment where participants can relax, feel supported, and experience the simple joy of spending time with animals.