PAWS (Pet Away Worry & Stress) sessions feature registered therapy animal teams—including dogs, bunnies, cats, chickens and other therapy animals. Sessions are FREE and open to the University of Minnesota community.
PAWS In-Person Sessions Suspended
PAWS in-person sessions have been suspended until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.
PAWS Is Now Online
Join Us for Weekly Virtual PAWS
Now you can interact with your favorite PAWS friends online using Zoom.
Look for PAWS on Mondays and Wednesdays, or check the Google calendar below.
- Sign up for weekly PAWS sessions on Mondays noon-1 p.m.
- Sign up for weekly PAWS sessions on Wednesdays 3-4 p.m.
Use PAWS as Your Zoom Background Image
Show your PAWS pride on Zoom meetings by using this PAWS Zoom background image.
New this Year - PAWS+
PAWS+ is a new virtual feature of the PAWS program available to UMN student groups and services to support student mental health. PAWS+ works with each group and emphasizes stress management tips and resources in partnership with de-stress.
PAWS Calendar
Add the PAWS calendar to your calendar by clicking the plus (+) icon above.
About Pet Away Worry & Stress
For many young adults, entering college and being away from home often means saying goodbye to their pets. Boynton seeks to provide Animal Assisted Interactions (AAI) in its continued effort to meet student needs, especially in the areas of stress reduction.
AAI teams are volunteer handlers who are specially trained and evaluated, along with their animal partners.
Request a PAWS Session
Requesting PAWS sessions for University events has been postponed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Volunteer with Your Therapy Animal
Do you want your therapy animal to join the PAWS program? Find out how to volunteer with your therapy animal.
PAWS Contact Info
Questions about PAWS? Contact Tanya Bailey, PAWS Coordinator at tanya@umn.edu.