Loving Animals Providing Smiles

In its distinguished 25-year history, LAPS volunteers have shared thousands of smiles with Napa’s most vulnerable residents through high-quality and engaging Animal-Assisted Interactions. We serve children living with emotional or learning difficulties, teens and young adults dealing with life’s stresses, seniors in assisted living and memory care, and patients in skilled nursing facilities.

Dedicated volunteers and their pets learn true therapy skills during a multi-week training class, which includes assessments for working with children, teens, and fragile elderly. LAPS volunteers and friends participate in diverse role-playing scenarios so new teams can practice their skills. All teams are tested to the highest standards every two years and mentored throughout their careers. LAPS welcomes dogs, cats, bunnies, mini-horses, and mini-donkeys as therapy partners.

LAPS is most proud of its unmatched safety record and volunteer satisfaction. Volunteers report their own lives are greatly enriched by spending time with clients of all ages, with their certified therapy pets by their sides. Friendships are forged; memories are made.

With community support, LAPS aims to attract and train new volunteers eager to make a tangible difference to others. Every dollar raised brings us closer to a more connected, compassionate Napa—one smile at a time.