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 Is Now Online
Due to social-distancing concerns, in-person PAWS sessions have been canceled until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Sign Up for Summer Virtual PAWS
Virtual PAWS sessions will take place this summer on the following dates:
- Wednesday, June 10
- Wednesday, July 8
- Wednesday, August 12
Now you can interact with your favorite PAWS friends online using Zoom. Just sign up!
- Sign up for virtual PAWS on Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m.
PAWS Calendar
Add the PAWS calendar to your calendar by clicking the plus (+) icon above.
PAWS Locations
You can Pet Away Worry & Stress at several locations on the East Bank, West Bank or St. Paul campuses Monday through Thursday during spring and fall semesters.
For days, times and locations, see calendar below:
- RecWell: Mondays, noon–2 p.m.
- St. Paul Student Center: Tuesdays, 1–3 p.m.
- Boynton Health: Wednesdays, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
- West Bank: Locations vary, Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
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.