Joy and Companionship with Animal-Assisted Therapy
Loving Animals Providing Smiles (LAPS) is an all-volunteer organization that trains and certifies therapy animals and their handlers.
Bringing acceptance, laughter and love into the lives of others.
![LAPS therapy animals with their handlers.](http://cdn-656e1491c1ac188b30f69468.closte.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/team-collage-dec-2023-1024x640.jpg)
Smiles | Acceptance | Laughter | Love
LAPS is Here to Help
LAPS helps create the human-animal bond to achieve meaningful and lasting impact.
Social Isolation
Our therapy teams combat loneliness with companionship and support.
Training and Certification
LAPS provides specialized training, mentors, and certification for our volunteer therapy teams.
Mental Health
Animal Assisted therapy interactions reduce stress.
Visits and Activities
LAPS visits facilities and offers activities like reading sessions, petting, and playtime.
Physical Health
Our visits improve health by encouraging activity, interaction, and well-being.
Community Engagement
LAPS promotes animal-assisted therapy through community events and partnerships.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
LAPS uses AAT to bring joy and comfort through the love of trained animals and their handlers.
Commitment to Research
LAPS updates our programs and training to reflect the latest AAT research.
![Woman holding cute white dog outside](http://cdn-656e1491c1ac188b30f69468.closte.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lady-with-dog-1-768x1024.jpg)
Dogs | Cats | Horses
Team - Member - Associate
Downloads
What makes LAPS different from most animal-assisted therapy groups is our belief that a variety of animals can be beneficial to clients.
Canine Teams
Teacher and student with a dog in classroom Non-Canine Teams
Two people smiling with a white cat Mini Hooves Teams
Senior woman petting small horse indoors