"Paws & Hearts" is a Pet Therapy Visitation Organization. We are a registered Not For Profit (501 C3) community based volunteer group.

.....We are located in Palm Desert, CA and serve the entire Coachella Valley with our Canine Ambassadors. Each and every day of the week our 70 plus teams of handlers and canines make weekly visits to area hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, Alzheimer's facilities and children's hospitals.

Just imagine being laid up in a hospital or convalescent center and into your room strolls a four-legged Canine Ambassador from "Paws & Hearts." The greater presence of animals in health-care settings comes amid increasing evidence that pets are good for us and can play a significant role in patients' recovery. Referred to as "pet therapy" or "animal assisted therapy", pet visitations have become an important tool for doctors and rehabilitation specialists.

.....Animals motivate people to participate in their therapies, brighten patients' days, give them a chance to talk about the animals in their lives, and give them the opportunity to forget they're in a hospital. Clinical studies have already shown that petting a dog or a cat lowers blood pressure, and has an overall calming effect on patients. But just as important as the clinical benefits, visiting pets give the patients a real breather from their current situation.

.....Many of the patients visited are withdrawn and in pain, but bring a friendly dog or purring cat into the room and 99% of the time the patient will respond favorably. The visiting pet brings a change of pace to the day that has long lasting effects. Consider this story;

.....Animal Assisted Therapy is not for everyone though. Some people don't like animals; others have allergies or other medical reasons why they can't have them visit. This kind of 'work' can be hard on the animals themselves. Just like any worker, they get stressed out if forced to work long hours or in difficult circumstances. Most dogs tire after an hour and a half. It is important to listen and watch our dogs cue as to when they've had enough. They always let us know that their work that day is done.

"Paws & Hearts" is a non profit pet therapy organization in Palm Desert, CA & Coachella Valley with volunteers & canines visiting hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, Alzheimer's facilities & children's hospitals. Consider becoming a Volunteer Team with our organization. Please enjoy our site!

Our mission statement:

"Our mission is to enrich the lives of seniors and children that need a little one-on-one attention that only a "four-legged" healer can provide."

Eisenhower Hospital, Desert Regional Medical Center,
The Eisenhower Five Star Club, Monterey Palms,
California Nursing & Rehab.,
Premier Health Care,
Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation,
The Fountains at the Carlotta,
Dennis James Cerebral Palsy Center,
Palm Springs Healthcare.

"Paws & Hearts"
74-854 Velie Way, Suite 7, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone (760) 836-1406 Fax (760) 836-1426