Pups & Cups
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 station visit at a time.
80%
of EMS shifts involve witnessing death, serious injury, or violence
2×
higher suicide rate among EMS workers vs. the general population
↑
Team cohesion linked to significantly lower rates of PTSD, depression & burnout
THE THREE PILLARS
What makes it work
🐶
Pet Therapy Dogs
Certified therapy animals lower cortisol, boost oxytocin, and anchor participants in the present moment — no clinical atmosphere required.
☕
The Coffee Ritual
Preparing and sharing coffee becomes a spiritual practice — warming hands and hearts, building trust, and rekindling the 'we're in this together' spirit.
💛
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.
FREE RESOURCE
Get the Handbook
Our comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to bring Pups & Cups to your agency — logistics, volunteer roles, day-of flow, and more. Free, always.
No spam. Just the handbook and occasional updates on the program.
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
🚒 Fire Departments
👮 Police Departments
🚁 Flight Medics
📞 Dispatch Centers
🔒 Corrections Staff
👨👩👧 First Responder Families
+ More
"
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
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.
contactwhitneygwilkerson@gmail.com
Phone
917-994-1754