My husband is a Veteran and we were looking for a way to give back to the community as the VA…read morecommunity has been so good to him. We decided to apply to volunteer with Paws for Purple Hearts. They train service dogs for Veterans and we were trained to be puppy parents through a series of classes so we could learn how to maintain consistency in their training. We bring dogs in training into our home for short periods of time so they can adapt to various environments as part of their training. We reinforce their training and maintain consistency for them while helping them acclimate to different homes and environment. Oh my goodness, what a wonderful experience. The staff is so dedicated to the animals and the cause and so knowledgeable about training and caring for these dogs that they are preparing to become service dogs for Veterans. There is so much that goes into training these amazing animals. It has been a truly rewarding experience for us to be able to work with these amazing future service animals.

From the owner: Paws for Purple Hearts raises and train service dogs and places them with veterans and active duty…read moreservice members who suffer from mobility impairments or trauma related conditions such as PTSD or TBI. We also provide a unique type of therapy at our local VAs and DOD facilities called Canine Assisted Warrior Therapy. During this therapy, our program instructors teach veterans how to train service dogs. The dogs are then placed with another veteran who struggles with the same issues that they do. All of our services are provided free of charge.

I have attended several of the Farm Yoga classes and had such a good time. There are so many cute…read moreanimals - chickens, geese, pot bellied pigs, turkeys, goats, pups.... They have a couple of instructors and both are able to lead the class with experienced and inexperienced people, with out any problem. The classes are usually an event with a theme... They have them at a winery with a wine tasting after (love this one!). They had a Tiki party at the Farm with cocktails and yoga at sunset when there was a huge full moon. they have them when the goats are born... There events are easy to find by googling Farm Yoga and they are also on Facebook

From the owner: Farm Yoga provides Animal Assisted Therapy with use of farm animals as goats and chickens in a farm…read moreor outdoorsy setting to provide our customers with the best relaxation program by bringing you back to nature . We incorporate yoga and meditation clases to further offer a complete wellness program .

What an amazing place! I've visited twice to learn about the special type of therapy used…read morehere--equine therapy (i.e., therapy using horses)--and both times I've been blown away by the impact of their programs on patients. Located about 40 minutes away from San Antonio in Pipe Creek, TX (about 10 miles away from Helotes), this establishment is volunteer-based and very organized! All of the instructors and volunteers are very nice, and the horses are friendly and well cared for! Although I saw several different groups out and about, the program I directly observed is called "Equine Assisted Group Psychotherapy for Active Duty Military and Veterans," which is completely donation-based and free for veterans at the VA. This course provides a unique take on group therapy: it focuses on relationally-centered horse riding and builds on important self-reflective topics covered over an 8 week period. During the lessons, there is individualized attention and emphasis on how to overcome fear, develop trust, overcome resistance, and build a healthy relationship with their assigned horse. Each person learns how to care for and groom the horses, interact with and read the horses' emotions, and ultimately saddle and ride the horses with supervision by certified instructors. The instructors have certificates in counseling, instructing, and therapeutic horsemanship. I'd definitely recommend checking out this place if you're looking for equine therapy and/or would like to volunteer with their programs focused on therapeutic horsemanship!!

From the owner: Triple H Equitherapy provides a wide range of horse-assisted activities and therapy for children,…read moreteens, adults and seniors. Our horse therapists specialize in helping folks who face physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges. Equine centered physical and psychological therapy programs, experiential learning curricula, and opportunities to nurture acceptable social behaviors are offered year-round. Service-to-community experiences and life skills training situations are presented for at-risk youth from residential facilities, juvenile probation offices, and local community programs. A variety of programs serve disabled veterans, particularly those facing the challenges of PTSD.

We were treated to a amazing and unique educational experience hosted by a really personable and…read moredown to earth zoologist named Amanda and she had quite a impressive collection of critters that did not disappoint.The show was very interesting and informative as well as incredibly professional. We got to learn about critters of all kinds and interact with the animal ambassadors first hand in a pretty private audience as well. It was just us and another family for the showing. Our experience was Pre-Covid I might add but these folks seem to still be hosting a very safe operation. They are do You Tubes,live feeds,school programs and outdoor events,spaced out and utilizing mask which I appreciate.Lots of us self employed don't get PTO etc so it's nice to see safety measures being taken seriously. I like to send the YouTubes and lives to my friends in the homeschool community etc because all the information Once in a Wild too can be incorporated with the information Amanda shares in their learning.I've seen some special guest as well on their lives,they always keep it interesting. From what I can see they are making rounds at schools more often now to bring the joy of learning about animals to the classroom as well.Our time with Once in A Wild was a private party and it was a special and unique treat we absolutely adored and cherished the experience.Will never forget it Thats for sure! We had a bird fly over to us and it landed on my partner like they were old friends lol!! Gave us all a laugh and lots of joy to see. Also got to hold some exceptionally beautiful exotic reptiles! Shout out to Princess!! All the critters were extremely healthy and well taken care of and among them was many rescue animals that needed someone like Amanda to give them the correct care called for and you can see the live they placed into everything they did.We would love to do this experience again and it's been some time but since things are getting a little smoother to operate safely again we hope to make that happen.Definitely a fun thing to book for a small educational based party or for a school. Highly recommend and respect their operation and hope to see the mission supported it's amazing!!

I hired Once in a Wild for an animal "meet & greet" at my son's birthday party. The party was…read more2/17/2024 and I contacted them on the Wednesday before (pretty short notice). Douglas, their planning coordinator, worked quickly and was able to get us booked the same day. He referred me directly to Amanda, the owner, to help me pick which package would best suit our needs in addition to which animals would make for the best experience. She was extremely knowledgeable and responsive. Bridget was the animal handler for our party and arrived an hour early to setup and make sure the animals were comfortable. She did an awesome job of managing 7 different animals and a bunch of curious children (and adults). She knew so much about each of the animals and made the experience fun and educational for the older kids and adults. I can't recommend Once in a Wild enough. They're extremely professional and made my son's birthday very special. We will definitely be using them again in the future!

Chase rocks! She is currently working with me for a few reasons (too many details to get into). I…read morewas a little worried at first if insurance would cover this therapy for me and also if this would be for me. Chase helped me call my insurance company (giving me the right questions to ask them) to get verification that these services would be covered. The traffic to get here is a little bit of pain but I have been feeling overall better. I enjoy the use of equine into my therapy because I am huge animal lover. I never realized that horses can have such a vital role in helping me in my progress but ever time I leave here to head home my mind is in a better place. Interestingly enough, I had taken a sensory processing test during my evaluation and found out things about myself that I had come to live with throughout my life. I would have loved to have this type of therapy when I was a child but back in the 80s this would have been laughed at. At least back in Ohio where I grew up.

Chase Doverspike has worked on my riders and my horses for the past year and a half with incredible…read moreresults! She actually cured me from debilitating sciatica and returned a horse schedule for euthanasia to work. I have been nothing short of astonished at her in-depth training and knowledge and how it manifests in her approach to horses, humans and humans on horses. I have consulted her on numerous cases and will continue to do so. I can recommend her without reservation and continue to use her for all our body work.

Wait time?! There was none!…read more MY appointment was scheduled for 9:40 am. I got there at 9:30. Walked in, was given a few papers to fill out and was told I will be called shortly. At 9:40 I was called up to turn in my pay paperwork and pay my co pay. 9:45 it was my turn. The whole process was extremely fast. The staff was friendly and polite. My truck was Chen, he was the best. Telling my about San Antonio's what to do's and the weather. He was also funny and made me feel comfortable.

Better hope they dont send you here for xrays Its always over 1hr wait. The lady said there is no…read moreappointments and then when i showed up the person in front of me she asks if she has an appointment. Furious as i was as the lady from the other day jus lied to my face. So as i sit and wait and watch everyone else get called even people that came in after me i waited for over an hour. Never again!