Pups & Cups
A FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS INITIATIVE
Bringing certified therapy dogs, the ritual of shared coffee, and trauma-informed Spiritual Care directly to those who serve.
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PET THERAPY
COFFEE RITUAL
SPIRITUAL CARE
WHY IT MATTERS
First responders carry more than they let on.
Irregular hours, traumatic calls, and a culture that discourages vulnerability create conditions where suffering happens quietly. But loneliness is not just an emotional struggle — it's a spiritual crisis that erodes connection. Pups & Cups was built to change that, one dog snuggle and one cup of coffee at a time.
80%
of EMS shifts involve exposure to death, serious injury, or intense emotional distress.
2×
higher suicide risk among EMS workers compared to the general population.
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Stronger team cohesion is tied to lower rates of PTSD, depression, and burnout.
our THREE PILLARS
What makes it work
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Pet Assisted Therapy Dogs
Certified therapy animals lower cortisol, boost oxytocin, and anchor participants in the present moment — no clinical atmosphere required.
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The Ritual of Coffee
Preparing and sharing coffee becomes a spiritual practice — warming hands and hearts, building trust, and rekindling the 'we're in this together' spirit.
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Spiritual Care
Chaplain presence, peer support, and the C.A.L.M. Cart provide stigma-free resources and facilitate well-being in a secular, welcoming space.
"
EMS work has become increasingly demanding. So many of us love dogs and would benefit from their companionship, but cannot have our own due to long shifts.
— Nancy Adler, Veteran IVAC Paramedic
WHO THIS SERVES
Built to be replicated
Originally designed for EMTs and paramedics at IVAC, the Pups & Cups model is adaptable to any agency where people carry invisible weight.
🚑 EMT / Paramedics
🚁 Flight Medics
👨👩👧 First Responder Families
🚒 Fire Departments
📞 Dispatch Centers
+ More
👮 Police Departments
🔒 Corrections Staff
Our comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to bring Pups & Cups to your agency.
To host Pups & Cups at an agency in Westchester County, NY, please contact us at pupsandcupsproject@gmail.com
- Step-by-step implementation guides
- volunteer roles
- budget templates
- and more
No spam. Just the handbook and occasional updates on the program.
FREE RESOURCE
Get the Handbook
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Us
For press inquiries or if you are interested in supporting Pups & Cups through donations or volunteerism, please contact us using the below email and/or phone.
pupsandcupsproject@gmail.com
Phone
917-994-1754