Pawsitive Friendships
We support individuals with special needs by using the special bond of pets to help them reach their full potential.
Our approach goes beyond companionship, focusing on personal development, building confidence, and opening up new opportunities through the unique connection between people and pets.
The journey of Pawsitive Friendships began with a transformative moment.
Tosha’s son, diagnosed with High Functioning Autism in 2012, made remarkable progress in his skill development with the help of their French bulldog, Zoe. This breakthrough turned challenging exercises into moments of connection and achievement, leading to the creation of Pawsitive Friendships.
Financials
Programs
School Based Program
We work with special needs students and their teachers to provide adaptive pet integration activities focusing on achieving specific goals. Our curriculum promotes the growth and development of executive function, motor skills, social skills, and more. The program is highly motivating and leads to noticeable improvement in the child's behavior at school and home.
Early Childhood Program
Our early childhood program is designed for children aged 18 months to 8 years with special needs. We integrate pets into curriculum-structured activities to actively incorporate the development of essential skills, social and emotional, executive function, motor skills, and more, through a play-based approach.
Adult Program
This program helps members of adult day centers (DTA) improve and practice skills such as participation, socialization, decision-making, and motivation through adaptive enrichment activities that involve the unconditional love of pets.
Volunteering + Events
Annual REV'D UP for Autism Car Show & Resource Fair
This signature event raises funds to help Pawsitive Friendships continue to support individuals with special needs.
Join us for the 10th Annual REV’D UP for Autism Car Show & Resource Fair on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at ALA Applied Technologies in Mesa.
Volunteer as a Pet Therapy Team!
We are looking for individuals who can volunteer with their pet a minimum of six times a year in our adaptive therapy program serving the special needs community. Experience firsthand how the unique bond between people and pets helps individuals with special needs grow and meet their goals.
We can't wait to have you and your pet onboard!