“The most rewarding thing is seeing the joy pets and people bring each other”
— Shauna Ostler, CEO & Founder of Therapaws®
Our Mission
TheraPaws is dedicated to enriching the lives of senior pets and senior citizens by providing both with love, care, and a sense of purpose.
We make this possible by giving senior and at-risk dogs, often overlooked in shelters, an opportunity to live their lives in happiness and comfort while bringing joy and companionship to elderly people in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
By connecting these two often-neglected populations, TheraPaws is raising awareness of the human-animal bond and showing how connecting pets and people can impact our lives, families, and community.
How we’re making a difference
Provide permanent foster or adoptive homes for senior and at-risk shelter pets.
This includes finding longterm placement for ‘fospice’
and special-needs pets from shelters and rescues, and ensuring they have the environment to thrive
Organize pet visits and events with assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
We partner to create positive, bonding experiences for seniors and visiting family members, while reducing compassion fatigue for senior caregivers & families
Advocate for new foster/volunteer models that help connect seniors and pets.
We provide resources to help other rescue organizations, partner with local Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing homes and implement similar enrichment program.