Loving Animals Providing Smiles (LAPS)
is a volunteer organization of well-trained, registered handlers and animals whose goal is to facilitate the therapeutic process and to contribute to the improvement of our clients' overall well being.
We currently have programs in Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties serving seniors in assisted-living facilities, teenagers in juvenile detention, and elementary school-age children in Special Education classes In addition, our CAPERS teams provide one-on-one reading assistance to elementary schoolchildren.
What makes LAPS different from other Animal-Assisted Therapy groups is our belief that all types of animals are beneficial to clients, and that multiple teams performing skilled animal-assisted therapy together create additional opportunities for the therapeutic process.
LAPS maintains the highest standards in testing and training because experience has taught us that solid, well-trained teams are vital to successful client interaction. Over the years, we have enjoyed an exceptionally high team retention rate, superior safety track record and a near-zero number of cancelled program visits. Our facilities and our clients can count on LAPS teams coming on time, as promised, on a regular schedule, and providing engaging personal contact and activities.
LAPS welcomes all types of domestic pets. While dogs are the most commonly used - cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, llamas, pot-bellied pigs, and birds have proven very effective. LAPS registers all its therapy teams with the Delta Society / Pet Partners Program, following the guidelines set forth by this premiere international organization, so we can offer membership to a variety of animals and their owners.
LAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.