Animal-assisted therapy for children and vulnerable people.
Through the power of the human-animal bond, we bring hope, trust, and smiles where they are needed most.
Every meeting is a step toward balance, recovery, and a better life.
We are the Dog4You – Paws that Heal Association, based in Oradea, an organization dedicated to promoting and developing therapy dog-assisted interventions and activities. For more than 5 years, we have been actively working with typically developing children, children with disabilities, and other people in vulnerable situations, using the special bond between humans and dogs to support emotional, social, and cognitive development.
We currently carry out therapy dog-assisted activities in educational institutions, centers, and other educational and social settings, adapting each intervention to the beneficiaries’ needs. We also train handler–therapy dog teams, organizing specialization courses and training programs for those who want to work professionally in this field.
Our association’s team includes internationally certified therapy dogs. West, one of our therapy dogs, is the first internationally certified dog in Romania to carry out activities in a public educational institution – an inclusive special-needs school – marking an important moment for the development of animal-assisted interventions within the Romanian education system.
We believe every interaction between a therapy dog and a beneficiary can bring trust, motivation, and joy. Through professionalism, empathy, and dedication, we aim to contribute to the development of animal-assisted interventions in Romania and to offer quality programs for people who need support.
West, our therapy dog, is the first internationally certified dog in Romania to have carried out activities in a public educational institution – an inclusive special-needs school.
Within the Dog4You – Paws that Heal Association, we develop and promote intervention programs and therapy dog-assisted activities, helping to improve beneficiaries' quality of life and to grow this field in Romania.
We organize therapy dog-assisted activities in schools, inclusive-education schools, educational and social centers, as well as at community events. Each activity is adapted to the age and needs of the beneficiaries and is carried out by trained handler–dog teams.
We carry out dog-assisted interventions for typically developing children, children with disabilities, and other people in vulnerable situations, aiming to develop communication, self-confidence, and social skills, and to support overall wellbeing.
We prepare future handlers and their dogs to work safely and professionally in the field of animal-assisted interventions. Our courses combine theoretical training with practical exercises and promote best practices in the field.
We select, socialize, and train dogs for assisted activities and interventions, always putting animal welfare and working standards first. Our dogs are trusted partners, ready to work in diverse environments and alongside beneficiaries with different needs.
We hold courses, workshops, and information sessions for professionals, teachers, parents, and anyone interested in animal-assisted interventions, helping to build a well-trained, well-informed community.
We get involved in projects and campaigns that encourage respect for animals, canine education, and the benefits that the human-dog relationship can bring to health and quality of life.
West – the first internationally certified therapy dog present in a public inclusive special-needs school in Romania.
Every dog-assisted activity is more than just time spent together. It means emotion, trust, courage, and memories that last. The joy of the children, the appreciation of parents, teachers, and partners confirms to us, every time, that we are on the right path.
In every school, educational center, or community we visit, we meet people who inspire us and remind us why we do what we do. Thank you to all the children, parents, teachers, volunteers, and partners who are part of this story and who believe, alongside us, in the healing power of the human-dog bond.
„Every story inspires us to keep going. Maybe the next one will be yours.”
Courses for those who want to turn their passion into a profession
West and Éva Zita Balogh passed one of the most prestigious European evaluations for therapy dogs
