Sometimes, support comes with four paws.

The American Cancer Society Pups Assisting With Support (ACS PAWS) program is a national initiative launched in 2023 to expand access to animal-assisted therapy for children and teens with cancer. By integrating specially trained facility dogs into pediatric oncology settings, the program aims to enhance the emotional and physical well-being of patients, their families, and health care teams.

Research has shown that animal-assisted therapy can help reduce pain perception, distress, stress, and anxiety during treatment while also supporting improved energy, functioning, and overall experiences for pediatric oncology patients. Families and health care professionals can also benefit from reduced stress and anxiety and a more positive care environment.

Learn more about the ACS PAWS program and the American Cancer Society’s efforts to expand facility dog programs in pediatric oncology settings through the resources below.

Learn More About ACS PAWS
American Cancer Society: ACS PAWS Program

Watch: The Healing Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Pediatric Oncology
Watch the ACS PAWS Video on YouTube