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EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS (ESA): HELPING HEROES

ABOUT THE ESA PROGRAM

Paws From Afar is a proud supporter of our military and first-line responders including police, firefighters, physicians, nurses and EMTs. Thanks to a generous sponsorship, we have been able to rescue and train dogs from shelters that would otherwise have been euthanized. These dogs will be provided to approved applicants at no cost.

WHAT IS AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL (DOG)?

We want to make clear that these are Emotional Support Animals (ESA), not Service Dogs. According to the AKC “Although all dogs offer an emotional connection with their owner, to legally be considered an emotional support dog, also called an emotional support animal (ESA), the pet needs to be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to a person with a disabling mental illness..”

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WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Anyone that has:

  • Served in the US Armed Forces

  • Worked in the front lines as a Police Officer, Fire Fighter or EMT

  • Hospital Physicians or Nurses

COST

None to those. approved

STEPS TO APPLY

Step 1 – Go to www.pawsfromafar.org/adoptables and select the dog you are interested in

Step 2 – Complete standard adoption application – make sure that you indicate that you are applying for the PFA-ESA program

Step 3 – Application will be reviewed by PFA team

Step 4 – If you are moved to the next step, you will be asked to provide additional documentation and information re: your ESA needs.

TRAINING

All dogs will be temperament tested and if deemed necessary, sent to a professional trainer.

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