Trained companions providing support to Mesa Public Schools
Paws & Peers seeks to meet the social and emotional needs of Mesa Public Schools students and staff. These dogs serve as trusted companions in classrooms, counseling, nurse, and administrative offices for crisis intervention, behavioral de-escalation, and addressing stress, anxiety and/or isolation.
The Mission
The Paws & Peers Foundation seeks to support school staff as they choose to rescue compatible shelter dogs for training to become therapy dogs who attend school and provide emotional support, stress relief, and comfort to children and adults.
Join the Pack
Developing these skilled Paw Partners requires commitment as well as an investment of both time and resources. Employees and their dogs must successfully complete obedience and therapy training before testing to earn their certification and obtain permission to become a member of a school staff.
Employees must dedicate a minimum of 14 weeks to training classes, one evening or Saturday per week. This does not include the time spent each day working with their dog on behavior skills. In addition, they invest their personal funds for training fees, associated supplies, and equipment.
