Pets Are Wonderful Souls (PAWS) is a group of services for both our patients and other pet owners in our community. We celebrate the special gifts that pets bring to humans through our volunteer pet visits to patients, support groups for pet loss and connections to resources for pets in the community.
Pet-related Services for Patients
Animals see only wellness in a person, not illness. They offer affection, companionship and a listening ear -- and can even be the one living creature with which a sick or dying person will share particularly difficult or sensitive thoughts and feelings.
One of the patient services we offer is pet visits through the PAWS program. Members of a dedicated group of volunteers and their pets visit our patients in our Georgeson Hospice House, assisted living facilities or skilled nursing facilities. All pet participants in the PAWS program are screened by our staff and dogs must be American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizens. PAWS pet owners must also participate in our volunteer screening and orientation process. To learn more about how you and your pet can become a PAWS volunteer, visit our volunteer opportunties page.
Temporary Pet Care and Pet Adoption
We work with the Humane Society Naples to find temporary or permanent care for pets belonging to our patients. Services include:
- Foster care - Working with us, the Humane Society Naples will place a patient's pet in foster care until a permanent home can be found or until the pet can return to its owner.
- Adoption - We assist patients with finding permanent homes for pets who will become homeless as a result of the deaths of their masters.
Services for Pet Parents in the Community
Blessing of the Animals
Each year, Avow Hospice celebrates the special bond between pets and pet owners at a Blessing of the Animals event held each October. Pet owners are invited to bring their pets to this special ceremony held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals for special blessing.
Pet Grief & Loss Support
We recognize that pet owners need to say good-bye to their pets with love, dignity and peace of mind. The death of a pet affects everyone in the family and can provide an opportunity for children to learn about death and dying in a positive, constructive way. Avow Hospice offers a special support group for those grieving the loss of a pet. The group gathers to share stories, laughter, tears, smiles and fond remembrances of treasured animal companions. It is open to the public and all are welcome. No reservations required - simply join us and bring a photo of your pet if you'd like. To view meeting dates, times and locations visit our support group listings page.
Pet Remembrance & Tributes
We hold a special ceremony, called Rainbow Day, where pet owners pay tribute to lost pets. Rainbow Day is open to anyone who would like to remember a pet. Check our calendar of events for date and time.
To give pet parents a special place to honor their pet, we have created a
Pet Rainbow Garden of engraved bricks. Each brick measures 8" x 4" and can be engraved with your pet's name or a special message. For more information about pet tribute opportunities visit our
Donations page.
Group Listings
To learn more about our Pet-Loss Support groups and the location and time of the offering visit our Group Listings link.