Company History
Carleen Espenant, the founder, came up with the idea for the business in 2016 and eventually was able to found it in 2025.
​
The business was created in hopes of creating another source of treatment/therapy for those who suffer from mental illness. The founder had spent years coping with depression and had always wished that there were more treatment options rather than just medication and psychotherapy. She had always wished that there would be a safe haven of which could be an independant outlet for well-being.
​
After finishing her degree, Carleen soon realized how much empathy she had for those suffering mental health issues and her enormous passion for dogs. She decided that she needed to make her dream a reality.
​
After 10 years of research, investing and planning, Take a Pawse was finally an established business in Santa Barbara. It took off quickly and is now one of the most well-known therapy dog programs in the United States and Canada. In 2026, Take a Pawse plans to expand to Canada in several other US states.
