DogPlay Logo, Dog on a teeter

Therapy Dogs and Visiting Pets
Overview   Groups   Resources   Stories   Help  Shops  Home  

Dog Lover Designs on Sweatshirts, T-shirts, Stickers and More

  Find a Group to Join or Visit

If you are looking for a visiting pet, therapy dog or animal assisted activities group to join, for registration or volunteers to visit your facility start here.

 (1) National Organizations
Browse these listings then contact them about local chapters in your area. Typically when your pet is registered with a National organization you make your own arrangements for visitation. Be sure to contact these groups if there isn't a group near you listed below. Go to National Navigation

(2) Local Organizations
Browse these listings that have asked to be listed here. Local organizations differ widely in their policies. Some require that you be registered with a national organization, some provide their own certification. Some may certify you to visit only under their umbrella, either as part of a group visit, or at specified facilities. Go to State Navigation NOTE: Despamming measures are in place for e-mail addresses. Remove any extra spaces.

Also of interest

Therapy Pet Web sites Links. More organizations to join or contact for visits

Help finding resources

Books and Videos on preparing for registration/certification or starting your own program.

NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Australia
Canada  
United Kingdom  
USA Nationwide      ( USA, Local by State)  


USA Nationwide - Contact the individual organization for information on groups near you.

Pet Partners Pet Partners Programs
875 124TH Avenue, NE
Suite 101
Bellevue, WA 98005 U.S.A.
(425) 679-5500
E-mail: info @ petpartners.org

People have long been intrigued by the complex emotional relationships between people and animals. Today, an impressive number of studies demonstrates the incredible benefits that result from these special relationships. Delta is a human service organization that transforms this growing body of scientific information into practical applications for everyday life. Delta's mission is to promote animals helping people improve their health, independence and quality of life.

Therapy Dogs Incorporated
P.O. Box 20227
Cheyenne WY 82003
Phone: 877-843-7364
Phone: 307-432-0272
Fax: 307-638-2079
E-mail: therapydogsinc @ qwestoffice.net

Therapy Dogs International, Inc.
88 Bartley Road
Flanders, NJ 07836
(973) 252-9800 (Voice) (973) 252-7171 (Fax)
E-mail: tdi @ gti.net

The Foundation for Pet Provided Therapy, Inc. (AKA Love on a Leash)
PO Box 6308
Oceanside, CA 92058
(760) 740-2326
E Mail :info @ loveonaleash.org

Love on a Leash is a nonprofit public charity. It provides guidelines for the screening, selection and training of potential therapy dogs, certification of trained dogs participating in its program, continuing education of therapy dog handlers, and education to health care/recreation professionals as to the value of therapy dogs. Large chapters everywhere from St. Louis to Oshkosh to Ventura. Call or e-mail for local chapters.

The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc.
80 Powder Mill Road
Morris Plains, New Jersey
(888) 738-5770
Contact: June Golden
E-mail: info @ golden-dogs.org

The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. is a nonprofit organization which evaluates, tests, trains, qualifies and supports therapy dogs for the purpose of giving loving and empathic support in nursing homes, hospitals, psychiatric wards and other facilities where emotional service dogs are indispensable. We have programs and evaluators in 28 states. We also have long distance qualification.

Paws For Friendship, Inc.
P O Box 341378
Tampa, FL 33694
(813) 961-2822
(402) 850-7476
Jan Schmidt, President
E-mail: jenniesmom @ pawsforfriendshipinc.org

We are an Certified International Animal Assistance Therapy Organization that has opened many Chapters all over the United States, Canada and Europe. We are completely insured and anxious to visit with you about joining our Organization.


USA LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS:

Alabama      Arizona      California      Colorado      Connecticut      DC      Delaware      Florida      Georgia      Hawaii      Idaho      Illinois      Indiana      Iowa      Kansas      Kentucky      Louisiana      Maryland      Massachusetts      Michigan      Minnesota      Mississippi      Missouri      Nebraska      Nevada      New Hampshire      New Jersey      New Mexico      New York       North Carolina      North Dakota      Ohio      Oklahoma      Oregon      Pennsylvania      Rhode Island      South Carolina      Tennessee      Texas      Utah      Vermont      Virginia      West Virginia      Washington     Washington. D.C       Wisconsin 

Return to National List to contact National organizations about local chapters or to see International listings.

No groups found?


ALABAMA

Hand-in-Paw, Inc.
5342 Oporto Madrid Blvd. So
Birmingham, AL 35210
(205) 591-7006
E-mail: handinpawinc @ aol.com

Hand-in-Paw, founded in 1996, is a Pet Partners affiliate providing animal assisted activities and therapy primarily to children and youth in social, medical and educational settings.

Therapy Partners, Inc.
1015 A Cleaner Way
Huntsville, AL 35805-6713
E-mail: Director @ TherapyPartners.org

Therapy Partners provides trained, certified, dogs and cats and their handlers to work, without charge, in local hospitals, assisted living, long term care, children's bereavement programs and a reading program for second graders. All Therapy Partner teams are registered with Pet Partners.

Return to top

No groups found?


ARIZONA

Companion Animal Association of Arizona
Box 5006
Scottsdale, AZ 85261-5006
(602) 258-3306

Pets on Wheels of Scottsdale
7375 E. 2nd St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 488-2002 or voice mail (602) 735-6886
Contact: Neal C. Jennings
E-mail: petsonwheels @ aol.com

This site provides information on the benefits of pet-visitation therapy, visiting with a structured group, guidelines for volunteers, stories of special pet visits, a dog's view of visiting, and information on starting pet-visitation program.

Gabriel's Angels
7225 West Oakland
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-460-5333
E-mail: info @ petshelpingkids.com

Gabriel's Angels is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization providing animal assisted activities and therapy to abused and at-risk children residing in area shelters.

Return to top

No groups found?


CALIFORNIA

S*M*A*R*T* Dogs, Inc.
8019 Bristol Road
Dublin, CA 94586-1642
Contact: Carolyn Day
E-mail: cday25 @ sbcgobal.net

S*M*A*R*T* Dogs, Inc. is a community service organization whose activities include animal assisted activities and animal assisted therapy.

S
ervice to the Community - (seminars, canine rescue, pre-adoption counseling, health clinics, charity fund raisers)
Mentor Programs - (junior membership, scout merit badge activities)
Animal-Assisted Therapy - (at convalescent homes, acute care hospitals, child, adolescent and adult psychiatric facilities, retirement communities, schools for children with disabilities)
Responsible Dog Ownership Education - (school presentations, demonstrations, A.K.C. Best Friends Program, information booths at public events)
Training - (Canine Good Citizen classes & testing, behavioral consultations and obedience training)
 

Marin Humane Society
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd.
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 883-4621 (Voice) (415) 382-1349 (Fax)
E-mail: SHARE @ marinhumanesociety.org

The Marin Humane Society visits convalescent centers and schools for the disabled. In 1987, the SHARE Program expanded its animal assisted therapy to help seniors, disabled and people with AIDS who still live at home with their animal companions.

 

Paws For Healing
1370 Trancas St
PMB 127
Napa, CA 94558
Contact: Joanne Yates
(707) 258-3684
E-mail: info @ pawsforhealing.org

It is a nonprofit organization based in Napa County, California, that goes to both health care and educational facilities in Napa, Sonoma, Solano and Marin counties. Volunteer teams work with physical rehabilitation patients, veterans, hospice families, cancer support groups, students and adults in special needs programs, mental health facilities, convalescent home residents and day care clients. Our teams are certified and professionally trained so that they are welcomed into many hospitals, including Kaiser Permanente, Queen of the Valley, North Bay, Sonoma and Petaluma Hospitals, and most recently, David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base.

A video describing PFH's programs and training is available from their web site, www.pawsforhealing.org or by emailing the group at info @ pawsforhealing.org

TherapyPets
PO Box 32288
Oakland, California 94604
(510) 287-9042 (voice)
(510) 893-0337 (fax)
E-mail: therapypets @ gmail.com
Leal Charonnat, President

When last visited this web site did not provide full access. TherapyPets is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation with Federal 501(c)3 tax deductible status. We are an all-volunteer organization. TherapyPets is not associated with any other organization. Therapy Pets serves Northern California, from Monterey/Santa Cruz to Napa/Sonoma areas.

Loving Animals Providing Smiles
c/o Marilane Bergfelt
P.O. Box 6596
Napa, CA 94581
(707) 265-6642
E-mail: LAPS_AAT @comcast.net

Loving Animals Providing Smiles (LAPS) welcomes all types of domestic pets and their handlers into volunteer service by joining our ongoing programs with seniors in assisted living, at-risk teens, elementary school-aged children with special needs and those needing help with reading skills. Our therapy sessions are designed for multiple therapy teams to attend together, working side-by-side to enhance the experience of those we meet. LAPS teams also provide one-on-one sessions as requested by staff and/or families. Based in Napa, California, LAPS maintains programs in Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties.

San Francisco SPCA
2500 16th Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 554-3000
E-mail: AAT @ sfspca.org

For nearly 30 years The SF/SPCA AAT Program has sent volunteer teams into hospitals, convalescent centers, senior centers, hospice facilities, and adult day health centers. We have expanded our programs to include more than 90 volunteers with dogs, cats, and small animals that meet our behavior and health requirements. Recently we have begun working with residential and non-residential case management, and homeless, emergency and transitional housing shelters. In 2008 we will launch full series of our new reading program, Puppy Dog Tales, and begin working with San Francisco public libraries and schools.

PAWS - Pets are Wonderful Support
PO Box 460489
San Francisco, CA 94146-0489
(415) 824-4040

Furry Friends Foundation
Pet Assisted Therapy Services

PO Box 90550, San Jose, CA 95109
E-mail: info @ furryfriends.org
(408) 280-6171

ARF Pet Hug Pack
Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF)
2890 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Phone: (925) 296-3101
E-mail: pethugpack @ arf.net

East Bay SPCA PALS (Pets and Love Shared)
8323 Baldwin St.
Oakland, CA 94621
510-563-4621
CA United States
E-mail: pals @ eastbayspca.org

PALS (Pets and Love Shared)prepares animal/handler teams to visit skilled nursing facilities and other care centers in Alameda County. Begun in 2004 this small group has grown and is also beginning to participate in reading programs with children. Participation in our program requires taking a training course that is offered through our dog training program. Folks with companion animals other than dogs should contact the PALS coordinator at 563-4621 for details on evaluation of your animal.

Ohlone Humane Society "Hug a Pet"
PMB #108, 39120 Argonaut Way
Fremont, CA 94538-1304 (510) 792-4587
E-mail: Ohlonehumane @ aol.com

Lend A Heart Animal-Assisted Therapy, Inc.
PO Box 60617
Sacramento, CA 95860
(916) 331-5000
contact person: Jennifer R. Akins

Lend A Heart Animal-Assisted Therapy, Inc. was founded in 1987 and is a nonprofit, charitable organization. Based in Sacramento, California our volunteers work throughout this area at selected facilities. We work extensively with the elderly, children-at-risk in public schools, patients in a mental health facility and at rehabilitation centers.

Lend A Heart is always looking for committed individuals with trained, socialized pets to further our community work. We test, train and certify handler/animal teams, and expect a year-round, ongoing commitment to our clients.

B.A.R.K. (Beach Animals Reading with Kids)
P.O. Box 91478
Long Beach, CA 90809
Contact phone number (562) 235-8835
contact person: Josie Gavieres
E-mail: barkreadingdogs @ aol.com

BARK (Beach Animals Reading with Kids) Therapy Dogs mainly listen to children read in elementary schools and libraries, but we also de-stress college students during finals and visit nursing homes, hospitals, and children in homeless shelters. BARK will help find you a location and provide all necessary supplies.

Pet Pals
part of High Desert Obedience Club, Inc.
PO Box 2901
Lancaster, CA 93539
(661) 266-7097
E-mail: hidoc @ hotmail.com

An active AAA/AAT group in the Antelope Valley. Group coordinator is a tester/observer with Therapy Dogs Incorporated. All participating dogs are registered with TD Inc.

Orange County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support)
8855 Atlanta, #164
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
714-596-7387
Elaine Lintner, Director
E-mail: ocspca @ surfside.net

PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) is a pet assisted therapy program sponsored by the Orange County SPCA. Volunteer/pet teams visit nursing homes, hospitals, senior day care centers, rehab facilities and children's homes. Prior to enrollment in the program volunteers must attend three orientation sessions: classroom; site visit; and pet evaluation.

Paws and Hearts
74-854 Velie Way, Suite 7
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone: 760-836-1406
Fax: 760-836-1426
E-mail: pawsandhearts @ aol.com

Headed by "Lucky" and Richard Waxman, we are a group of dedicated volunteers whose sole purpose is to take our well-behaved dogs into convalescent homes, senior centers, day care centers, Alzheimer's facilities, children's hospitals and facilities -- anywhere someone might benefit from a loving visit. We are proud to say that every day of the week, we have volunteers and their dogs out visiting. If you live in the Coachella Valley/Palm Springs area and would like to volunteer with your dog, please contact us.

Paws 4 Healing
P. O. Box 4001
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359
912 N. Raitt Street
E-mail: info @ paws4healing.info

Paws 4 Healing volunteer members and their registered pets provide Animal-Assisted Activities/Therapy services to facilities in our local communities. Most of our members volunteer with dogs and some visit with rabbits. Our volunteers visit facilities such as, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, schools, children's centers, and battered women's homes to name a few. Most facilities we visit are setup on scheduled visits, while some can be visited on a flexible schedule. We have Teams throughout Southern California, the Mammoth Lakes and Bishop area of California, and plan expansions into Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

H.A.L.O. Angel Ears
P.O. Box 2011
Antioch, CA. 94531
925-473-4642
E-mail: contacthalo @ yahoo.com

Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization (H.A.L.O) runs a non-profit rescue program in East Contra Costa County. in 2006, we took four rescue dogs and had them certified with their humans through TDI and R.E.A.D. The therapy teams now work with children at local libraries (AAA) and visit residents at hospitals, rehab centers and board and care facilities (AAT). We are always looking for more teams as the requests for services continues to grow. Thanks!

The Peacock Foundation
PO Box 36187
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(818) 763-1072
Contact person Lisa Peacock
E-mail: peacockfoundation @ yahoo.com

We provide programs for groups of children to discuss the effects of grief, loss, and trauma. We use animal interaction and education to talk about emotion.

Latham Foundation
Latham Plaza Bldg.
Clement & Shiller Streets
Alameda, California 94501
E-mail: Latham Foundation: info @ latham.org
(510) 521-0920

Latham Foundation does not actually do visits but they are a wonderful source of information and support. If you are interested in starting your own program this is a good place to start. Latham Foundation publishes a newsletter which is useful for keeping in touch with new ideas, sound visiting practices, legislation, seminars and more.

Gogo and Blitzen - Retired Racers visit aging adults
1169 Shafer Street, Seaside CA 93955
(831) 899-4040
E-mail: jferguson @ carmelfoundation.org

We like to visit seniors on the Monterey Peninsula - Westland House, The Carmel Foundation, Canterbury Woods, Forest Hill Manor, and PG Retirement Home.

Pet Prescription Team
1404 Dorothea Road
La Habra Heights, CA 90631
(562) 694-8090
E-mail: jinfo @ petprescriptionteam.com

Our vision at the Pet Prescription Team is very simple; we are a volunteer organization dedicated to helping pet owners train their family pet to become therapy animals. We are a full service organization which provides training classes preparing the dogs for certification, Therapy Certification through the Pet Prescription Team, AKC, CGC testing all for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, special institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.

Pawsitive Pet Program
(310) 829-8438
E-mail: erin.pickerel @ providence.org

The Paula Kent Meehan Pawsitive Pet Program is comprised of dog and handler teams that visit Providence Saint John's Health Center. Their mission is to provide friendship and comfort to patients during their hospital stay. It is not only the patients that benefit from the Pawsitive Pet visits but staff and visitors as well.

For teams to qualify, the handler and dog must become members of the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program. After interviewing and screening, we will help you through the process. The handler must also become a Providence Saint John's Health Center volunteer. Please note that being a Pet Partners dog and handler team does not guarantee acceptance into the Paula Kent Meehan Pawsitive Pet Program. We are looking for the strongest and most qualified teams to become a part of our program.

For more information, please contact the Providence Saint John's Health Center Volunteer office at 310-829-8438.

4Paws Learning and Wellness Center
4Paws Center
5800 Commerce Blvd.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 861-0235
E-mail: info @ 4pawscenter.org

4Paws is dedicated to making life a little better for pets and people. Our social therapy program includes visiting healthcare facilities and a reading program for children in libraries and schools. We also have regular educational gatherings to help pet owners understand the changing needs of our companions as they age. Our teams serve primarily in Sonoma, Napa, Marin and San Francisco counties.

Return to top

No groups found?


COLORADO

 

Return to top

No groups found?


CONNECTICUT

Tails of Joy Animal Assisted Therapy Group
Marie Joyner
113 Carion Rd
Union, CT 06076

Tails of Joy has 36 certified dogs and 28 certified handlers. We have scheduled visits with 5 nursing homes, one of which is one-on-one work with the physical therapist. We also do presentations at schools, libraries, senior centers,etc. We have all of the tools in place to give the potential member the proper skills to qualify.

Peaceful Paws, Inc.
179 Malabar Rd.
Westbrook, CT
Sally Sizer, President
E-mail: Cinderbin @ snet.net

Our organization is made up of about 30 Certified Pet Partners, who work throughout Connecticut in Nursing Homes, Schools, hospitals and children's facilities.

Return to top

No groups found?


DC DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

People Animals Love (PAL)
4900 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 330
Washington, DC 20016
202-966-2171
Contact: John Davison

E-mail: john @ peopleanimalslove.org

Volunteers and their pets visit hospitals, nursing homes and more all over the greater D.C. area!

National Capital Therapy Dogs,Inc.
P.O. Box 234
Highland, MD 20777
(301) 585-6283
E-mail: info @ nctdinc.org

National Capital Therapy Dogs, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer organization that provides animal-assisted therapy to many people in health facilities, shelters, schools, and libraries. Established in 1990, NCTD has steadily expanded its operations and is now recognized as one of the top animal-assisted therapy groups in the country. NCTD currently visits more than 30 facilities in Washington, DC, the Maryland suburbs, Baltimore, Southern VA and Eastern Shore, MD. NCTD provides training classes for handlers and their animal partners and will evaluate the team.

Return to top

No groups found?


DELAWARE

PAWS for People
Post Office Box #1353
Hockessin, DE 19707
(410) 398-1711
E-mail: PAWSforPeople @ comcast.net

Mission Statement: "to lovingly provide elders, children and folks with disabilities individualized, therapeutic visits with a loving, affectionate pet." We currently visit hospitals, assisted living & Alzheimer's facilities, cancer facilities & Easter Seals within New Castle County, Delaware; Chester County, Pennsylvania and Cecil County, Maryland. We also provide the READ (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) program to 5 county libraries as well as 3 public elementary schools.

Faithful Friends Pet Therapy Program
12 Germay Drive
Wilmington, Delaware 19804
(302) 427-8514 x102
E-mail: pettherapy @ faithfulfriends.us

Our Pet Therapy Programs match caring individuals who are happy to share their well-trained, loving pet with people in the community who can benefit from and enjoy the unconditional love that an animal companion can bring them. Our volunteers visit 45+ nursing homes, schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities and more!

Return to top

No groups found?


FLORIDA

Star Bright Therapy Dogs
Waggin Tales Coordinator
101 Melody Lane
Fort Pierce Fl 34950
(772) 462-2199
Fax:(772) 462-2813
E-mail: bdorothy @ hotmail.com

Star Bright Therapy Dogs is an organization which evaluates, tests, trains, qualifies and supports therapy dogs for the purpose of giving loving and empathic support in nursing homes, hospitals, psychiatric wards and other facilities. One of the biggest efforts by the Star Bright Dog teams is the Waggin' Tales Reading Program with the St Lucie County Library System. The Reading Program is designed to help children increase their reading skills.

The ComForT Program (Companions For Therapy)
c/o the Area Agency on Aging
2414 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
E-mail: comfortpet @ elderaffairs.org
Contact: ComForT Program Coordinator
(850) 488-0055

We are a volunteer animal visitation group serving over 20 facilities in Leon County. Our main focus is animal assisted activities and animal assisted therapy work mostly among the aging population. We also visit physically, mentally and developmentally disabled individuals. 2003 marks our 18th year as a volunteer service organization. All of our members are registered with Pet Partners and follow Pet Partners's policies and procedures.

Brevard Therapy Dogs
307 Hiawatha Way
Sunnyland Beach, Florida 32951
(321) 729-9191
Contact Person: Bill Ledward
E-mail: phillies @ aol.com

Brevard Therapy Dogs is a small group of therapy dog teams registered nationally with Therapy Dogs, Inc. We are located in Brevard County, Florida, and currently visit assisted-living facilities, nursing homes and a hospital.

Sunshine on a Leash
21 Palm Road
Sewalls Point, FL 34996
(772) 287-7711 or (561) 745-8935
E-mail: kjfrick @ adelphia.netor mohara @ aol.com

We are a group of volunteers based out of Jupiter, FL who regularly visit the sick and elderly at hospitals and assisted living facilities in Jupiter, Tequesta, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach following Pet Partners's policies and procedures.

Therapy Dogs of Lake County
2256 Lake Pointe Circle
Leesburg, Fl 34748
Contact phone number: (352) 326-4410
E-mail: pattyemeyers @ yahoo.com

We do regular visits to local hospitals, LTC facilities; participate in Special Olympics, and visit day camps for ill children

Space Coast Therapy Dogs, Inc.
POB 542653
Merritt Island, FL 32954-2653

SCTD is the largest and oldest organization of registered therapy dogs on the Florida Space Coast. Check out our up-to-date web site for anything you may need to know to get started with us.

Sunshine Independent and Therapy Dogs, Inc.
111 Redbud Drive
Interlachen, Florida 32148
E-mail: blstarke @ localnet.com

The president, Judy Lucia, has 33 years experience in therapy dog volunteer work. The dogs bring the gift of love to many in nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other facilities. Help us to reach others world wide by joining our organization.

Paws for Smiles, Inc.
8831 NW 14 Street
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
(954) 435-3720
Contact person: Jana Thomas
E-mail: pawsforsmiles @ gmail.com

Paws for Smiles, is a 501(c)(3) Florida registered Not for Profit Charitable Organization. We are group of volunteers, dedicated to bringing smiles and unconditional love to nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, schools, etc. in South Florida through registered therapy dogs. All dog/handler teams are members of Therapy Dogs, Inc. a national pet therapy organization, following their policies and procedures. There are no membership fees required to join and get tested/evaluated with Paws for Smiles. We don't believe in charging people to volunteer, we give out of the kindness of our hearts.

SHARE-A-PET
PO Box 480107
Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 33308
954 630-8763
Sachin Mayi Executive Director
E-mail: info @ shareapet.org

Share-A-Pet is a national organization providing pet assisted therapy to nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, childrens' centers and other care facilities. While it started in Florida and has many volunteers there, it is spreading nationally and, as of Dec 05, has 150 members and pets serving 50 care facilities. While this organization is currently primarily in Florida, New England and, soon, California. We would like to see qualified Share-A-Pet teams spreading love within care facilities in every State.

P.A.W.S. - Pets Are Working Saints
Grace Church
13 SE 21st Place
Cape Coral, FL 33990
239 574-7161
E-mail: mististpierre @ hotmail.com

A Ministry of Grace Church combining people and pets in ministry. We visit local nursing homes in the Cape Coral, Florida area the first Saturday of each month to be Jesus with skin on. Pets must have a gentle, reliable character, have up to date rabies vaccinations and pass a free Temperament Testing held at Grace Church various times of the year. We would love for you to join us. It is such an awesome opportunity to make a difference in so many lives in such a short period of time.

Coach Dog, Inc.
(561) 762-3391
E-mail: joy @ coachdog.org

Coach Dog, Inc. joins together children, school staff and caring volunteers and their certified therapy dogs to address emotional, behavioral, physical and academic challenges. Dogs and their handlers work with children in groups, one on one, and in the classroom. These services are targeted based on referrals from school staff. Volunteers using the special bond between the animal and the child may provide friendship, tutoring, emotional support and motivation.

Be an Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry
104 Whippoorwill Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
(407) 920-0146

Be an Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry, Inc. is an all volunteer, non-profit organization, who participates in animal-assisted activities ?Turning Frowns Upside Down? for many people, from children with special needs, to elderly persons with limited mobility. Our objective is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special animals in order to bring happiness and cheer to people, young and old alike.

Be an Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry is an all volunteer animal-assisted organization where all the dog/handler teams are tested, registered and insured members of Therapy Dogs, Inc. Be an Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry also has teams working individually & wearing the blue gear in Georgia, Texas, Tampa and Miami. The group extends from Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Lake, Osceola and Polk counties in Central Florida with others in North Carolina, Georgia and Texas.

SPCA of Central Florida Pet Therapy Program
2727 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32836
407-351-7722, x3787
E-mail: pettherapy@ orlandopets.org

As a Pet Therapy Team, you and your own family pet will bring joy, education, companionship, and stimulation to people in need. Pet Therapy Teams routinely visit senior citizens, children, and adults in facilities that have contracts with our organization. Teams -- especially those with rescued dogs and cats -- will also assist in community education programs and events. Volunteers must be willing to purchase a background check, polo shirt and ID ($30). All pets and their handlers must first obtain liability insurance through a national group such as Therapy Dogs Inc., Pet Partners (formerly Pet Partners), or Therapy Dogs International. For safety reasons, pets must be at least 18 months old, spayed or neutered, and up to date on their vaccinations. Each team is required to make a minimum of two visits per month.

The SPCA of Central Florida's Pet Therapy Program has several volunteer Tester/Observers who can help you obtain registration through Therapy Dogs Inc.

 

Return to top

No groups found?


GEORGIA

Dreamworkers, Inc.
4704 Brownsville Road
Powder Springs, Ga 30127
E-mail: dreamworkers @ dog.com

Dreamworkers, Inc. is a non-profit (501 c3) group of very dedicated individuals who volunteer their two most important assets, their time and pets, to bring joy and happiness to hospitalized, shut in, or disabled individuals through the use of Therapy Animals.

Happy Tails Pet Therapy, Inc.
P.O. Box 767961
Roswell, GA 30076
770-740-8211
E-mail: info @ happytailspets.org

Happy Tails Pet Therapy, Inc. was incorporated in 1991 with a 501c3 status. Its mission is to provide professional and experienced pet assisted therapy and activities to facilities in the Metro Atlanta area. It is the oldest and the largest organization in Atlanta with over 450 volunteers serving 150+ client facilities.

Canine Outreach, Inc.
P.O. Box 5478
Peachtree City, GA 30269
(770) 486-1667 Phone
(770) 486-1667 Fax
E-mail: annewhudson @ worldnet.att.net

Canine Outreach, Incorporated is organized exclusively for the charitable, scientific, and educational purpose of providing, through its members, well-trained, affectionate, and obedient dogs for therapeutic contacts with the elderly, the disabled, and the young in hospitals, homes, nursing facilities, schools, and pre-schools or other locations.

Islands Library Dog Days
Islands Library
125 Wilmington Island RD.
Savannah, GA 31410
912-897-6233
E-mail: colemanc @ liveoakpl.org

Public library offering reading with dogs once a week. Volunteer therapy dogs & handlers come in and children read books, selected by the librarian,to the dogs. All readers, regardless of level are encouraged.

Children choose dog to whom they would like to read and receive a bookmark with the dog's photo on it saying "I read to ..." at Islands Dog Days. The bookmarks are being collected like baseball cards! We have 12 dogs of different breeds participating.

 

READing Paws / CAREing Paws

4 Terrace Park
Newnan, GA 30265 Contact phone number (770) 252-5303
E-mail: Melissa @ READingPaws.org
E-mail: Melissa @ CAREingPaws.org

The mission of READing Paws is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of nationally registered therapy animal-owner/handler teams as literacy mentors.
READing Paws utilizes nationally registered animal-owner/handler Therapy Teams who volunteer to go to schools, libraries and many other settings as reading companions for children. The utilization of registered therapy teams is the foundation of READing Paws, in order to ensure that the animals have been trained and tested for health and safety, appropriate skills and temperament, and have been insured for liability.

The mission of CAREing Paws, Inc. is to enrich the lives of others by embracing the power of the human-animal bond. CAREing Paws, Inc. is a local group of registered therapy teams in Georgia that conduct visits in places such as nursing homes, hospitals, libraries and schools. We are a network of compassionate individuals who are willing to share our special animals in order to bring joy and happiness to others.

Return to top

No groups found?


Hawaii

Therapaws of Hawaii, dba Pa'ani Na Keiki
1198 Ikena Circle
Honolulu, Hawaii 96821
(808)377-3087 phone
(808) 422-1920
E-mail: cgoldblatt @ assets-school.net

Involved in the Pet Therapy Program at Tripler Army Medical Center and Hospital, in conjunction with the American Red Cross. Certified Therapy dog, Beau Aikane, a 6-year-old golden retriever and a Certified Therapy Rabbit, Matzah, a Netherland Dwarf bunny.

Tails of Aloha
Gayle Igarashi
Tails of Aloha at Maluhia
1027 Hala Drive
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 832-6149

This group primarily provides pet therapy group visiting at nursing homes. We also provide AKC Canine Good Citizen testing, Therapy Dogs, Inc. testing, and Bright and Beautiful Dogs testing.

Return to top

No groups found?


IDAHO

Therapy Pets Serving Mini-Cassia
1234 Normal Ave.
Burley, ID 83318
208-677-9862

We are a small group of volunteers who visit several facilities in the Minidoka and Cassia county area in south-central Idaho. All of our members are registered through Therapy Dogs, Inc. or Pet Partners.

Return to top

No groups found?


ILLINOIS

NEDSRA Therapy Dog Team
1770 W. Centennial Place
Addison, IL 60101
(630)630-4500 Office
(630)620-4598 Fax
(630)620-7477 TTY
E-mail: nedsra @ mcleodusa.net

Our non-profit organization has a team of animals that do visitations to special education classrooms, nursing homes, group homes for people with disabilities and alternative schools; We also participate in special events such as Special Olympic Track meet opening ceremonies parade, Halloween Dog Show and more. Teams must have current certification to join our volunteer group.

We are limited to serving the following villages and towns; Lombard, Addison, Itasca, Wood Dale, Bensenville, Villa Park, Oakbrook Terrace, York Center, Glendale Heights, Butterfield and Medinah, Illinois.

Canine Therapy Corps, 
1700 West Irving Park Road, Suite 311,
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 404-6467
Contact:Janet Eaton, Executive Director
E-mail: info @ chennytroupe.org

Canine Therapy Corps, (formerly Chenny Troupe) brings certified therapy dogs to a wide variety of health care facilities to help people with physical and emotional rehabilitation.

Rainbow Animal-Assisted Therapy
P.O. Box 531
Northbrook IL 60065-0531
(773) 283-1129
Nancy Lind, President

Rainbow AAT is a not-for-profit volunteer group that has developed Animal-Assisted Therapy programs for emotionally, mentally, and/or physically disabled children in the Chicago area. The specially-trained and registered Therapy Dogs provide the motivation and the facilitation.

SIT STAY READ
MaryEllen Schneider
3425 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago IL 60641
(773) 545-6629
mschneider@sitstayread.org

The SIT STAY READ mission is to improve literacy skills and foster a love of animals by partnering reading assistance dogs with children in Chicago's poorest neighborhoods. Volunteers needed with and without a dog.

Unconditional Love, Inc.
742 Elm
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 858-8809
Jacqui DiMarco, Executive Director
Ann Canulli, President

Encouraging Word Animal-Assisted Therapy
Mary Jacobs, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Certified School Psychologist
Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs
E-mail: u45301 @ uicvm.uic.edu

Encouraging Word offers Animal-Assisted Therapy for many different populations including autistic individuals, pre-and-post-surgical patients, differently-abled children and adults, Alzheimer's patients, hospice patients, and emotionally-abused children. Pre-and-post-surgical play therapy is also offered for children.

Peaceful Paws Pet Therapy
Attn: Jill Motew
1111 Wade Street
Highland Park, IL 60035
847 910-4512

We visit youth oriented centers throughout the North Shore suburbs, including summer camps dedicated to kids and teens with mental and physical disabilities. All-year around visits.

Adventures With Bailey
Contact Phone: (847) 401.4555
AdventuresWithBailey@comcast.net
E-mail: AdventuresWithBailey @ comcast.net

We provide compassionate animal assisted therapy, free of charge, to special needs groups or persons who request our services. Through the use of dogs and horses we serve at-risk teens, people with Alzheimer's and dementia, at-risk readers, people with Autism and people with multiple handicaps. Our goal is to aid people overcome issues of self-confidence, separation from family, memory, below grade reading, mental and physical handicaps and physical rehabilitation.

Return to top

No groups found?


INDIANA

Love on a Leash, Heartland Chapter
4040 W 200 N
Marion, Indiana 46952
(765) 384-4314
E-mail: ppoolestewart @ indy.rr.com

Love on a Leash, Heartland Chapter visits nursing homes, the local VA and any group that would like to see our pets. Several members are looking into a reading program with the local libraries

Corridor Therapy Dogs
P.O. Box 10643
Cedar Rapids, IA 52410-0643
(319) 365-9600
Contact: Janet Holtman
E-mail: corridortherapydogs @ hotmail.com

Our therapy dog teams visit hospitals, care centers, hospice and other facilities. We provide reading education assistance dogs' programs to children in schools and libraries.

No groups found?


IOWA

Corridor Therapy Dogs
P.O. Box 10643
Cedar Rapids, IA 52410-0643
(319) 365-9600
Contact: Janet Holtman
E-mail: corridortherapydogs @ hotmail.com

Our therapy dog teams visit hospitals, care centers, hospice and other facilities. We provide reading education assistance dogs' programs to children in schools and libraries.

No groups found?


KANSAS

Human Animal Bond Program
PO Box 3101
Ft. Leavenworth, KS 66027
(913) 684-6510
E-mail: director @ FtLeavenworthHAB.org

We are a non-profit service organization staffed by volunteers and sponsored by the Ft. Leavenworth Veterinary Services. We provide animal assisted activities and promote human-animal bonding in the community through pet visits and educational activities. We have a regular visiting schedule at more than a dozen hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers and schools in the Leavenworth county area.

Return to top

No groups found?


KENTUCKY

W.A.G.S. Pet Therapy of Kentucky, Inc.
P. O. Box 91436
Louisville, KY 40291-1436
(502) 562-WAGS

Love On A Leash (Foundation for Pet Provided Therapy)
c/o Gloria Sams
Kentucky Cancer Program
501 College Street
Somerset, KY 42501
E-mail: gsams @ kcp.uky.edu

Programs also in Lexington, Louisville, and Frankfort. Love on a Leash is a nonprofit public charity. It provides guidelines for the screening, selection and training of potential therapy dogs, certification of trained dogs participating in its program,

Pawsibilities Unleashed Pet Therapy of Kentucky
P.O. 5316
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
1-888-759-4920
E-mail: info @ pawsibilitiesunleashed.org

Unleashed Pet Therapy (PUPT) of Kentucky is a therapy pet and service dog non-profit organization in Central Kentucky. In addition to doing therapy work with our own animals, we also rescue potential therapy pets, service dogs, and companion animals from local shelters, humane societies, and rescues.

Return to top

No groups found?


LOUISIANA

Visiting Pet Program
5831 S. Johnson Street
New Orleans, LA 70125
(504) 432 8349
E-mail: paws4visits @ gmail.com

Since 1987, the 130 pet/handler teams of the VPP have been visiting over 30 nursing homes and hospitals in the greater New Orleans area. In July, 2000 we created the "Reading To Rover" project designed to improve the reading aloud skills of K-3rd graders.Our motto is Bringing love and leaving smiles. Our mission: Through the unconditional love of the animals, The Visiting Pet Program strives to enhance the quality of life of all we meet.

Return to top

No groups found?


MARYLAND

Pets On Wheels
Carroll County Area
PO Box 873
Finksburg, MD 21048

Pets on Wheels, Balto. Region
5 Sherwood Road
Cockeysville, MD 21030
E-mail: baltopow @ bcpl.net
Phone 410 628-1700
Fax: 410 628-1702
Coordinator: Gail H. Ogin

Pets on Wheels, Inc.
20606 Green Road
White Hall, MD 21161
E-mail: baltopow @ bcpl.net
Phone: 410 343-2102
Fax: 410-343-2104
State Director: Barbara Sterner

Fidos For Freedom, Inc.
P.O. Box 5508
Laurel, MD 20726

Fidos For Freedom is a nonprofit all-volunteer assistance dog training organization. Our therapy dog volunteers and their own dogs attend special classes where they are trained to participate in pet therapy programs as hospitals and nursing homes in the Laurel, MD area.

Wags For Hope
P.O. Box 1279
Frederick, MD 21702
240 782-4233

Wags For Hope is a group of volunteers that share their pets with people in need of visitation. We visit nursing homes, assisted living facilities and similar facilities.

Return to top

No groups found?


MASSACHUSETTS

Pets and People Foundation
49 Cottage Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone (508) 572-1419
E-mail: Info @ petsandpeoplefoundation.org

A non-profit organization founded in 1985, we offer pet-assisted therapy to residents of nursing homes, assisted living homes, special needs facilities, half-way houses, and some children's facilities as well as attendees at senior daycare centers and the patients of various hospitals in Eastern Massachusetts. Our volunteers share their pets in visits 45 minutes to an hour long at a time mutually agreed upon by the volunteer and the activities director of the site visited. Covering Eastern Massachusetts from Worcester east to the ocean and from Falmouth north to several facilities in New Hampshire and Maine, we usually make visits as individuals rather than visit a facility in groups.

Caring Canines Visiting Therapy Dogs, Inc.
Boston, Massachusetts area pet therapy program
E-mail: Info @ caringcanines.org

Our main program provides group visits to assisted-living facilities, adult day care centers, nursing homes and hospitals. Though our pediatric HugAPet program, we serve special needs classes in schools and provide visits to children in psychiatric hospitals and group residential facilities.

The Companion Animal Program, Inc.
P.O. Box 1321
Pocasset, MA 02559-1321
(508) 394-0266
E-mail: Info @ companionanimalprogram.com

The Companion Animal Program is an all-volunteer, tax-exempt 501(c) (3) charitable corporation. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of our Cape Cod residents including the older and disabled population who live or participate in out-of-home, day and residential and hospital programs. CAP also serves children and youth in library, school, college and related settings. CAP provides the enjoyment and therapeutic support of our members'?' pets that are trained and certified as companion animals.

Dog B.O.N.E.S. - Dogs Building Opportunities for Nurturing and Emotional Support
A Massachusetts Network of Therapy Dog Volunteers
17 Bradshaw Street
Medford, Massachusetts 02155
(781) 391-5615
contact person: Jeanne Brouillette
E-mail: jbrouillette @ comteam.org

We are a Massachusetts network of therapy dog volunteers and agencies seeking visits. We provide on-line registration and matching of volunteers to agencies requests, as well as links to national and local organizations training and testing dogs for certification. Our goal is simple: to bring a little fun into someone's day as they recuperate, rehabilitate or simple live life.

 

Return to top

No groups found?


MICHIGAN

AnimaLink
Suzanne La Croix
73 Mier Road
Sanford, MI 48657
(989) 687-5185
E-mail: info @ animalink.com

Provides assistance to volunteers, health care professionals and facilities interested in creating beneficial human-animal interactions. Sponsors animal evaluations, workshops, and classes.

The Fur Angels
15230 Allen Rd.
Taylor, MI 48180
(734) 285-4085
Martha Hall, Founder/ Director
E-mail: hallshalfacre @ aol.com

The Fur Angels is a volunteer, therapy dog organization in S.E. Michigan. Formed in the fall of 1998 with only a handful of members, now has over 30 active members. Visits numerous facilities monthly at regularly scheduled times; days, evening and weekends. Our high standards require all dogs be temperament tested, have full, up to date medical records, and successfully complete therapy dog testing with a known registration organization. We also offer regular testing dates for therapy dog testing and CGC. With the support of this group you can go far and do more with your 'therapy' time.

Dr. Paws Inc. Pet Assisted Therapy Dogs of Michigan

30072 Wicklow Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334 USA
Hotline 248.888.7488
E-mail: drpawspettherapy @ aol.com

Support group for anyone wishing to do pet therapy with their dog. Testers work through Therapy Dogs Inc. We are 501 and do not charge for any services. We do accept donations to help keep the programs alive.

West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc.
P.O. Box 2533
Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2533
(616) 726-1256
E-mail: info @ wmtd.org

WMTD, Inc. is a non-profit therapy dog organization of AAA/AAT (Animal Assisted Activity/Animal Assisted Therapy) volunteers. We operate in the western region of Michigan. Our group partners handler-dog therapy teams with local community health, education, and rehabilitative services. WMTD, Inc. has been providing services to the surrounding areas of West Michigan since 2001.

Return to top

No groups found?


MINNESOTA

Bark Avenue on Parade,Inc.
Minneapolis, MN 55426
E-mail: info @ barkavenue.org

Covering Minneapolis and St Paul MN. We visit equally in these two cities.

Caring Critters of MN, Inc.
2254 Lilac Lane
White Bear Lake, MN 55110-3871
E-mail: couhl @ msn.com
Carol Ouhl, Executive Director
651-762-1581.

We are a not-for-profit C-3 organ. that specializes in AAT in the true sense of the word, therapy. We work with therapists that set goals and document the results of the visits we do with their clients. We also have a strong emphasis on education of other professionals that are interested in learning how to incorporate AAT into their work.

Puppy Love Therapy Dogs, Inc.
57240 Juniper Rd
Good Thunder MN 56037
507-278-3488
E-mail: pltdi @ hickorytech.net

Puppy Love Therapy Dogs, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that provides therapy dog visits to the Mankato and south central Minnesota area. We visit hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, libraries, schools, clubs, etc. We provide AAA visits and pet safety education for elementary grade students. Our dogs are registered through either Therapy Dogs Inc. or Therapy Dogs International. We make 6-8 visits per month.

Return to top

No groups found?


MISSISSIPPI

Return to top

No groups found?


MISSOURI

Support Dogs, Inc.
11645 Lilburn Park Road
St. Louis, MO 63146
(314) 997-2325
(314) 997-7202 (Fax)
Robyn James, Executive Director
E-mail: rkjames @ supportdogs.org

SDI is a United Way nonprofit agency based in St. Louis. There are three divisions; Service, which raise, train and place service dogs, the therapeutic that responds to the strong demand from the medical community for a professional canine therapy program, and education which teach school children respect for each other and animals through the Advocacy By Canines program. If you are interested in being involved in Support Dogs, Inc. please contact us.

Return to top

No groups found?


NEBRASKA

 

Midlands Pet Therapy
5111 Grant Street
Omaha NE 68104-4354
(402) 561-0550
E-mail: info @ midlandspettherapy.com

Good Samaritan Health Systems - Animal Assisted Programs
1755 Prairie View Place
Kearney, Ne 68845
(308) 865-2258
Heather Hascall MA,CTRS
Manager - Therapeutic Recreation @ Richard H Young Hospital & Animal Assisted Program Coordinator
E-mail: heatherhascall @ chi-midwest.org

GSHS has had active Therapy animals involved in providing services for over 10 years. We presently have over 30 certified Therapy Animal Teams involved in providing services not only to the facilities of GSHS, but the local Family Advocacy Network, area schools, day cares, nursing homes, retirement facilities, Hospice treatment programs and annual events such as a Children Bereavement Camp. We have a wide range of individuals that work to provide wonderful comprehensive services. Our Team handlers range from community volunteers, an area veterinary clinic staff group, to professional therapists and social workers that utilize their animal in the provision of treatment goal work for their patients. All teams must hold certification in a recognized organization to be able to work as part of our group. The Therapeutic Recreation department of RYH/GSHS presently provides the processes of selection, education, training, and certification of animals utilizing Therapy Dogs, Inc. and Pet Partners. Our primary population of therapy animals at this time is dogs. However, we have one cat in our program and three others in the process of certification. We also recently have acquired interest and a market need for three horses to be added to our program - they also are in their process of certification.

Healing Heart Therapy Dogs
1955 St. Andrews Dr.
Crete, Nebraska 68333
(402) 826-1033
E-mail: jrlothrop @ windstream.net

Healing Heart Therapy Dogs trains, tests, certifies and insures qualified individuals and their canine companions to provide animal assisted activity and animal assisted therapy visits in eastern Nebraska. Our members visit in schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals or wherever our services are needed. We also train and certify our members in R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs). These teams go into schools and libraries to aid in improving childrens' reading abilities through the use of the dogs.

Return to top

No groups found?


NEVADA

Paws for Love, Inc.
PO Box 20925
Reno, NV 89515-0925
(775) 826-5199
contact person: Janet Forrester, president

Paws for Love, founded in 1996, is a T.D.I. affiliate with 150 members providing pet therapy visits in Northern Nevada. In addition to traditional visits (hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, etc), we also provide visits to schools and libraries through our Paws to Read program. These visits give children an opportunity to practice reading aloud to a therapy dog (a non-threatening audience), to improve confidence levels and reading ability.

Return to top

No groups found?


NEW HAMPSHIRE

Caring Animal Partners
PO Box 1304
New London, NH 03257
E-mail: nhcap @ tds.net

Luckdragon's Angels Pet Therapy Group
331 Shirley Hill Road
Goffstown, NH 03045
E-mail: info @ luckdragonsangels.org

Luckdragon's Angels Pet Therapy Group's mission is threefold: To promote public awareness of our dedicated volunteer therapy dog and handler teams serving southern New Hampshire, To train, mentor, and certify qualified teams to work in our communities, To be a resource of professional therapy dog teams for facilities and institutions that want Luckdragon's Angels therapy pet visitation for their residents

New England Pet Partners, Inc.
P.O. Box 534
Pelham, NH 03076
603-635-3647
Maureen Ross, M.A.
E-mail: neppnh @ comcastnet

New England Pet Partners, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) bringing people and pets together to enhance well-being and education with pet-assisted therapy and Reading Education Assistance Dogs. We have a "teams" in Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Maine too. Our training sanctuary is www.dogtalk.com.

Return to top

No groups found?


NEW JERSEY

Dogs In Service
765 Frenchtown Road
Milford, NJ 08848
(908) 996-9911
Contact: Susan D. Greenbaum
E-mail: barking @ eclipse.net

Dogs In Service provides specially trained Animal Assisted Therapy teams who, under the guidance of facility personnel, help children normalize the institutional experience, de-mystifying medical procedures as well as acting as facilitators for physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Northeast Crisis Response Coalition
303 West Webster Avenue
Roselle Park, NJ 07204
(908) 245-9098
Contact: Elaine Shoe
E-mail: information @ ncrc-aacr.org

Northeast Crisis Response Coalition - Animal Assisted Crisis Response is a group of Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Activity organizations. The purpose of the Northeast Crisis Response Coalition is to pool specialized resources in order to coordinate Animal Assisted Therapy/Activity organizations for Crisis Response Work and provide a structure for rapid response and incident command.

TheraPet, Inc.
P.O. Box 787
Clark, NJ 07066
Telephone (732) 340-0PET (0728)
E-mail: pettherapynj @ aol.com

TheraPet, Inc. was founded in 1988 as a non-profit organization of volunteers and their pets who visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools throughout New Jersey to perform animal-assisted activities or animals assisted therapy. Our membership application is available on our web site or you may call for us to mail you an application. If your pet is tolerant of noise and distractions, enjoys being petted, is under your control, is healthy and up to date on its shots, you are probably the owner of a TheraPet. Formal obedience training is not required. All American Mixed dogs are welcome. We provide a four part screening which includes a temperament test for new animal-handler teams three times a year, and all teams are required to attend a training. A Facility Coordinator will oversee an orientation of new member teams in each facility. While most of our members visit with dogs, we also welcome cats. Our members have even visited with rabbits, hermit crabs, guinea pigs, etc. We are currently serving in facilities in 11 of New Jersey's 21 counties.

Friends Fur Life
P O Box 5233
Clinton, NJ 08809
contact phone number 908-431-4157
E-mail: ffl @ friendsofsuzanne.com

The dogs would visit cancer patients either at the hospital while undergoing chemo or at the patients home. There is nothing more humbling than bringing a smile to a patient, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Helping, showing compassion and being there for them is something that cannot be described, but once experienced will never be forgotten.

Leashes of Love AAA
(856) 795-9777
Maria Santella
299 Berlin Rd.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
E-mail: leashesoflove @ aol.com
leashesoflove@aol.com

Leashes of Love AAA is a pet therapy group based out of Cherry Hill. We are always looking for volunteers who are interested in sharing their dog with residents in nursing homes, hospitals, childrens's facilities & more. Leashes of Love is an all volunteer group. Services include evaluations, training & certifications. We serve Camden, Gloucester & Burlington counties as well as Phila. There are over 75 volunteers & we visits 65+ facilities. Dogs must be evaluated first and volunteers will have to fill out an application & provide up to date shot records before joining. All dogs should have some kind of obedience training before joining and know all their basic commands. Dogs must be good around other dogs and show no signs of aggression.

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey
253 Chestnut Street
Toms River, NJ 08753
(732) 505-2273 Ext. 206
Contact: Lynette Whiteman
E-mail: info @ caregivervolunteers.org

We are a nonprofit agency that assists lonely senior citizens living at home who wish to remain independent. Therapy dogs will make friendly visits to the elderly at a time that is convenient for the dog owner.

South Jersey Loving Paws


(609) 230-0772
Contact: Andrea Hering
E-mail: waggin.tailz1 @ gmail.com

We are a volunteer group based in South Jersey that provides animal assisted therapy. We visit a variety of places such as Hospice, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, and Libraries.

Return to top

No groups found?


NEW MEXICO

Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers
5310 Los Poblanos Lane, NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
E-mail: pettherapy412 @ comcast.net

The Southwest Canine Corp of Volunteers are active in training and promoting therapy dogs in Albuquerque, NM. We serve a variety of facilities; from hospitals to PT rehab centers to nursing homes to abuse shelters and beyond! We welcome any dog and handler teams that already have strong obedience skills to come and see what joy a therapy dog can bring!

TALES of JOY R.E.A.D. Program
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Contact: (505) 401-7134
or (505) 463-3626
E-mail: Theresa @ TalesofJoyRead.com

TALES of JOY R.E.A.D. Program is a group of therapy registered dog and handler teams that volunteer within Rio Rancho Public Schools. We are an affiliate group of the national R.E.A.D. organization in Utah. Our primary focus is volunteering with teacher selected students to improve reading skills and social communication. The students read "aloud" to the dogs and in doing so reading becomes a joy and a skill that students look forward to building upon! We also volunteer within our local libraries and book stores.

Therapaws
Charlene Curry
1700 W. Union Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88005
contact phone number (575) 524-2026
E-mail: charlenecurry @ gmail.com 

Therapaws visits local nursing homes, hospitals, hospice and special needs
classrooms in the Las Cruces public schools.

Return to top

No groups found?


NEW YORK

Pet Partners of Syracuse,Inc. an Affiliate of Pet Partners
148 Ridgewood Dr
Syracuse, NY 13206
Contact: 315-481-0130
E-mail: petpartnersofsyracuse @ gmail.com

An affiliate of Pet Partners, we visit health care facilities, schools, libraries -- just about anywhere anyone needs the emotional support and health benefits of a registered Pet Partner? team providing Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy(AAA/AAT). Some of our teams are also registered with R.E.A.D.? (Reading Education Assistance Dogs®) - a program developed by Intermountain Therapy Animals of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Pet Assisted Therapy Facilitation Certificate Program
State University of New York
(401) 463-5809

The Good Dog Foundation
607 6th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 788-2988
E-mail: information @ thegooddogfoundation.org

With a focus on health and healing, we work with hospitals, other health care facilities, and community organizations. We evaluate, train, certify, and provide on-going support for dog/owner therapy teams. In different health care facilities we serve a variety of patient populations in several units- from geriatric, adult medical and psychiatric, to pediatrics, physical rehabilitation and terminal patients in hospice. At The Good Dog Foundation, we work to match volunteer interests and the dog's personality with the population best suited to their strengths.

The Good Dog Foundation is also involved in more formal research studies to document both the benefits of animal assisted therapy and to illustrate that bringing well-trained and screened dogs into hospitals does not raise infection rates or endanger the population in any way.

Hudson Valley Humane Society Visiting Pet Program
104 Lake Road
c/o Tolstoy Foundation
Valley Cottage NY 10989
Contact phone number 845-267-8795
E-mail: HVHSVisitingPets @ aol.com

The Hudson Valley Humane Society Visiting Pet Program is a Pet Partners Pet Partners affiliate and a R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) affiliate program. Our volunteers visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, adult day programs, assisted living homes, group homes, libraries, and other facilities in Rockland County, NY, and Bergen County, NJ, as well as two juvenile detention facilities in Orange County, NY.

We offer Pet Partners training workshops, dog/handler training classes, R.E.A.D. seminars, and other workshops of interest to therapy dog handlers. We also sponsor ATTS Temperament Tests (American Temperament Test Society) and run an annual Therapy Dog Camp for dogs and their handlers.

ASPCA, an affiliate of the Pet Partners
Greer G Griffith
Manager Animal Assisted Therapy/ASPCA
520 8th Ave., 7th floor
NYC, NY 10018
Contact Phone: 212-876-7700 ext. 4417
E-mail: greerg @ aspca.org

The ASPCA is an Affiliate of the Pet Partners. We offer classes and workshops that train humans and their canine partners for the Pet Partners evaluation. Once you have passed the evaluation and are registered as a Pet Partners therapy dog team, we will help place you in an appropriate visiting environment and offer you support along the way. We also have the wonderful Paws'n Books program where children and young adults read humane literature (books from the Henry Bergh Book Club awards) to dogs.

Return to top

No groups found?


NORTH CAROLINA

Paws With A Purpose
48 Woodvale Avenue,
Asheville, NC 28804
(828) 253-6485
Pam Hardin
E-mail: pwap @ pawswithapurpose.org

We are a group composed of both Delta and TDI certified volunteers. In 2002, volunteers visited with 675 participants at Mission St. Joseph's Health System, were able to regularly visit 13 of 18 Buncombe County Schools' special needs classrooms, and began a reading program for first graders. The average therapy dog team visits approximately 200 individuals per year. Our group is composed of 35 human and 23 animal volunteers.

K9 Buddies, Inc.
3118 Marywood Drive
Durham, NC 27712
(919) 455-4995
E-mail: information @ k9buddies.org

All volunteer group providing therapy dog training and certification organization currently operating in 15 eastern states. K9B is also heavily involved in various "cell dog" programs in several states. We provide speakers and presentations for public education on subjects relating to the human/domestic dog relationship including child/dog safety and responsible dog ownership.

We believe in a realistic approach to animal therapy which includes reasonable best practices, common sense rules, fun training, and making the certification process as affordable and as much fun as possible while insuring that we have handlers who know how to read their dogs and assess situations quickly. Our teams participate in a multitude of carefully designed programs, created by medical professionals, which rehabilitate people mentally and/or physically. Many participate in "See Spot Read" programs and other similar reading programs for kids.

Return to top

No groups found?


NORTH DAKOTA

Return to top

No groups found?


OHIO

Rx: DOG LOVE, Inc.
366 Ely Road
Akron, Ohio 44313
(330) 835-4079
Contact: Bonnie Dillon, President
E-mail: bfink2 @ neo.rr.com
Akron, Ohio

Rx: DOG LOVE, INC is a not for profit program providing Animal-assisted Activity and Therapy to the hospitalized patient. Based at Summa Health System's level I trauma centers, Rx: DOG LOVE, Inc was the first AAA/AAT program of its kind in an acute care facility in Northern Ohio. Rx: DOG LOVE assists other health care facilities and schools and libraries to implement similar programs. Rx: DOG LOVE holds Pet Partners evaluations three times a year. Contact Beth Fink for information.

Visiting Paws
223 N Main
Swanton, Ohio 43558
419-825-5510
Lisa Gerlinger
E-mail: giantbego @ adelphia.net

Visit schools, nursing homes etc. also reading programs at libraries and schools .

Caring Therapy Canines
PO Box 901
Wooster, OH 44691
E-mail: info @ caringtherapycanines.com

We are an independent therapy dog organization dedicated to promoting therapy dog visitations and animal-assisted activities to our local community. We do visits to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, libraries, etc. We are based in Wooster (Wayne County), Ohio but also have members from several surrounding counties throughout north-central Ohio.

Angel Paws Animal Assisted Activities & Therapy
1280 Hillview Circle W.
Newark, OH 43055
Phone (740) 364.0824
E-mail: AngelPaws @ roadrunner.com

A registered Pet Partners?, Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) affiliate & 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit organization Providing Comprehensive, Standards Based Therapeutic Health Care Visitation, Reading Education Assistance Dogs? (R.E.A.D.) Literacy Mentoring Programs & Community Outreach in Central Ohio since 2003.

Return to top

No groups found?


OKLAHOMA

Karing K-9s
15935 S. 4240 Road
Claremore OK 74017
(918)342-5343
E-mail: KaringK9s @ msn.com

We have over 50 members at this time and are visiting over 20 facilities per month. We visit hospitals, nursing homes and rehab centers.

Creatures And Kids, Inc.
P.O. Box 5011
Edmond OK 73083-5011
(405) 478-8550
Contact person: Penny Nichols
E-mail: info @ creaturesandkids.org

Our Mission Statement: "Creatures And Kids, Inc. is devoted to humane education and violence prevention. We are currently scheduling Working Teams (therapy animals and handlers) to visit various facilities. We offer an exciting opportunity to influence the lives of both youth and animals."

Creatures and Kids had certified therapy teams that work with children and animals. Developing respect and responsibility towards animals are what children learn from Creatures and Kids, a nonprofit organization devoted to humane education and violence prevention. Since 2002, the group has been spreading their message in a variety of ways, including the Being Aware, Responsible and Kind (BARK) program, working with animal rescue groups, and through educational

Return to top

No groups found?


OREGON

Welcome Waggers Therapy Dogs
Wendy McCoy
2092 NE Hwy 20
Corvallis, OR 97330
541-760-0476
E-mail: k9calling @ yahoo.com

Welcome Waggers Therapy Dogs, organized in 1992, is a non profit group of volunteers and their owner-handled dogs that visits nursing homes, including Alzheimer patients, senior citizen retirement centers, the mental health and medical units of a hospital, and Hospice patients in Benton and Linn Counties, Oregon. Welcome Waggers also participate in the R.E.A.D program. The group includes several TDINC tester/Observers for the purpose of qualifying dogs and their handlers for therapy dog work.

PAAWS (People and Animals Who Serve)
PO Box. 50454, Eugene, OR 97405
541-461-1188
Cindy Ehlers

PAAWS is an affiliate of Pet Partners. We are based in Eugene, Oregon and were created by a group of 5 women in 2003. PAAWS will be a non-profit organization with 501c3 tax status in Summer 04. PAAWS teams provide the health benefits of the animal-human bond in educational, residential, medical and other community settings.

F.E.T.C.H. (Friends Eager To Come Help)
(541) 337-3485
Stacy Plummer Coordinator, T/O
E-mail: joinfetch @ yahoo.com

FETCH (Friends Eager To Come Help) is based in Eugene Oregon and serves both Lane and Linn Counties. Founded in 2003, this non profit group of volunteers and their dogs dedicate their time and energies in meeting all the needs of those in our communities and surrounding area. FETCH teams serve our communities by visiting nursing homes, hospitals, schools, juvenile detention facilities, center for abused children and many other settings. FETCH also has members trained in the R.E.A.D program, No One Dies Alone program and several members trained in crisis response.

Behavior Support Solutions
1500 Liberty Street SE, Suite #230
Salem, OR 97306
(503) 363-6969
E-mail: lisaannebryan @ cs.com

We provide pet therapy services to Assisted Living facilities within the Salem area. This is a volunteer service with regularly scheduled hours.

Return to top

No groups found?


PENNSYLVANIA

Lehigh Valley K-9 Therapy Association
Chapter 100 of Therapy Dogs International, Inc.
P.O. Box 208
Nazareth, PA 18064
(610) 759-2141
E-mail: LVK9Therapy-owner @ yahoogroups.com

Lehigh Valley K-9 Therapy is Chapter 100 of Therapy Dog International. Based in Nazareth, PA we visit nursing homes, schools, libraries and facilities for children in and around the Lehigh Valley.

K's K-9 Therapy Dog Group
4 Sycamore Circle
Lititz, PA 17543-8744
717 627-3586
Contact: Kay Melchi
E-mail: esetter @ ptd.net

Bi-weekly visits with dogs to 4 area nursing homes in the Lititz, Lancaster County area of Pennsylvania. Kay Melchi is a tester/observer for Therapy Dogs Incorporated.

Lebanon County Kennel Club
Sally Henry (contact person)
717-273-8612

Weekly visits with dogs to nursing homes and VA hospital in the Lebanon County, Pennsylvania area. Alternate between afternoon and evening visits. Sally Henry is a tester/observer for Therapy Dogs Incorporated.

Comfort Caring Canines Therapy Dogs, Inc.
c/o Robert Dettery, President
2701 Valley Woods Road
Hatfield, PA 19440
E-mail: ccc @ comfortcaringcanines.org

Comfort Caring Canines Therapy Dogs Inc. (CCC) is a dedicated group of volunteers who share the love of their canine companions ? trained and tested Therapy Dogs ? with others. Our dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and our visits range from a simple exchange of smiles and wagging tails to obedience demonstrations and tricks. CCC is a non-profit organization supported through dues and testing fees, donations and sponsorships. Our dog/handler teams visit community nursing homes, child care centers, hospitals and senior citizen centers in the southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland area.

Pals For Life
939 Radnor Road
Wayne, PA 19087
(610)687-1101
Contact: Kristen Abbott
E-mail: Kristen @ palsforlife.org

Pals For Life was founded in 1985 and conducts pet visitation programs Monday through Saturday at over 80 nursing homes, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers and other facilities throughout Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. Humane education programs are also held at schools, day care centers and summer camps. Volunteers and pets are needed to help! Volunteer pets include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets etc. For information on becoming a volunteer, please visit our web site or give us a call.

Pleasure of Your Company Therapy Dogs
P.O. Box 143
Kutztown, PA 19530
Contacts:
Helene Skopek
570-826-0326
E-mail: poycdogs @ yahoo.com
Bethann Siteman , 610-683-6116 bethannsitema @ yahoo.com

Pleasure of Your Company Therapy Dogs, Inc. (PoYC), a Pennsylvania Domestic Nonprofit Corporation, is a relatively small therapy dog group with fewer than 60 members at the present time. It was formed in 1999 when members of a larger, multi-state therapy dog organization decided that they needed more control of their rules and procedures. Member-handler/dog teams make regularly scheduled visits to a variety of nursing homes and hospitals, especially in the greater Allentown, Bethlehem, and Wilkes Barre area. PoYC provides insurance for all authorized member-handler/dog teams during their therapy dog activities, and will assist members in setting up visits to the facilities of their choice.

Happy Tails Therapy Dogs
Pat Shaeffer TDI-T/O
126 Skylite Drive
Hanover, PA 17331-9660
717-637-6013
E-mail: minitvw @ earthlink.net

Happy Tails is a newly formed club that covers York & Adams Counties in PA and Carroll County in Maryland. We visit nursing homes and schools and rehab centers as well as special requests to private homes. We are affiliated with Therapy Dogs, Inc. and have 2 tester/observers to help you register your dog to turn tears into smiles.

KPETS - Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services
630 Janet Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601
(888) 685-7387
Karen Gerth
E-mail: info @ kpets.org

KPETS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to promote Animal Assisted Therapy/Animal Assisted Activities (AAT/AAA) by recruiting, educating, uniting and coordinating volunteers with the facilities, social agencies and special-needs programs whose clients may benefit from the healing and rehabilitating effects of the animal/human bond. The unconditional love of our pets is shared with those of all ages and from all walks of life.

American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley Animal Assisted Therapy Program
1804 North Sixth Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0740
Contact phone number 717-257-1822
E-mail: kirelandforever @ aol.com

The American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley serves the geographical area of Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Lancaster, Mifflin and Perry Counties, Pennsylvania. The AAT Program has been coordinated through the American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley since 1992 visiting area nursing homes and other agencies. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) involves the interactions of pets and residents with guidance from the volunteer. Together, the volunteer and the pet can help brighten a resident's day! All visits are done on a volunteer basis. We have over 150 active volunteers!

Return to top

No groups found?


RHODE ISLAND

Pet Angels at Work
Karen Davis
91 Pilgrim Drive
Warwick, RI
401-781-5171
E-mail: petangelsatwork @ aol.com

I am a new pet therapist and was looking for places to volunteer.

Return to top

No groups found?


SOUTH CAROLINA

SCDogs Therapy Group, Inc
Clemson, SC
(864) 710-4412
E-mail: info @ SCDogs.org

A not-for-profit organization founded to provide para-professional and professional animal assisted activity and therapy services. SCDogs teams are specially trained to provide animal assisted activities to nursing homes, children's shelters, hospitals and other facilities. SCDogs teams are also eligible to assist in our very special animal assisted therapy programs. In conjunction with professional counselors we offer professional animal assisted therapy services. To create a well rounded group offering safe and effective visits/therapy, SCDogs teams supervisors include a professional dog trainer, a community agency counselor, and experienced volunteers. SCDogs also promotes and assists in the training and placement of rescued animals from shelters and rescue groups into AAA/AAT work. Save a life, spread some kindness!

Return to top

No groups found?


TENNESSEE

Therapy ARC (Animals Reaching Clients)
128 East Lake Court
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone: (615) 519-0719
Contact: Dee Mathues
E-mail: coolrun @ prodigy.net or information @ therapyarc.org

Therapy ARC is a 501 (co) (3) non-profit organization offering training to individuals and their animals in animal assisted therapy and activities. We are a Licensed Delta
Society Affiliate and offer Pet Partner coursework, evaluation and assistance with placement to passing students at local facilities.

READing Paws Upper East Tennessee Chapter
Contact: Janice Pelletti
423 391 7140
E-mail: Janice @ READingpaws.org

Children read to dogs to improve reading skills. Dogs must be registered with a national registry. Must be willing to also train and register with Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.)

 

TN Safety Spotters
P.O. Box 451
Grand Junction
TN 38039
(731) 764-0238
E-mail: info @ tnsafetyspotters.org

TN Safety Spotters is a registered therapy dog group for deaf dogs that travel the entire Mid South area doing Animal-Assisted interactions in hospitals, abuse centers, correctional facilities along with Canine Public Education, teaching Fire Safety and Dog Bite Prevention. We provide a R.E.A.D. program and are available in the West TN area. CGC instruction and testing available. This is a 501 (c)(3)nonprofit charitable organization. Members and Volunteers welcome!

 

Return to top

No groups found?


TEXAS

Therapy Pet Pals of Texas
3930 Bee Caves Road, Suite C
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 347-1984

Therapy Pet Pals of Texas (TPPT) is a private non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) volunteer organization that shares the love of pets with individuals in health care facilities/institutions who are deprived of the very special love that animals can give.

Paws for Caring
P.O. Box 572230
Houston, TX 77257-2230
Facilities Volunteer Coordinator: Melinda Ashman
E-mail: Pawsforcaring @ juno.com
(713) 667-8114

Paws for Caring visits about 30 facilities and has around 200 members. We are involved with animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted activities. We visit a variety of places from nursing homes, adult day care centers, schools with disabled children, rehabs., Shriners' Hospital for Children, other hospitals downtown just to name a few. We have facilities on our waiting list and not enough volunteers.

Faithful Paws - Pet Therapy Program
Sponsored by: Bellaire United Methodist Church
4417 Bellaire Boulevard
Bellaire, TX
77401
(713) 666-2167
Connie Richards organized and maintains the Therapy Group.
E-mail: vwillard61 @ aol.com

A team of organized volunteers involving the incorporation of trained animals specifically certified to administer therapy to adults/children in nursing homes or hospitals we visit. Animal assisted therapy is a scientifically proven form of therapy that is recognized as therapeutic and recreational.

Therapy Tails on Wheels(c)1995
AAA-AAT
Box 535
Kempner, Texas 76539
Contact: Evelyn Colbath
E-mail: petmydog @ vvm.com

Therapet Animal Assisted Therapy Foundation
P.O. Box 698
Troup, TX
75789
Shari Bernard OTR
E-mail: Therapet @ Juno.com

Therapet Animal Assisted Therapy Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of AAT/AAA. Through publications, seminars, and professionally developed videos, we assist volunteers and health care professionals in developing and managing programs. Shari Bernard OTR is a leader in the field, and the executive director of Therapet. She uses specially trained and certified animals as tools in the treatment of patients. Her program provides animals that are used daily in a rehabilitation hospital. In addition, she has developed a program that provides animals in an acute care hospital for use in the pediatric, geriatric, oncology unit, and the open heart recovery unit, and both ICU and CCU. Lastly, she developed and currently runs a program for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice where her volunteers and animals work with psychiatric inmates as part of Occupational Therapy. Shari has authored "Animal Assisted Therapy: A Guide for Health Care Professionals and Volunteers". She has also provided 17 national two-day seminars on this topic with 4 more planned this year.

Therapet is dedicate to the advancement of this growing field. A variety of medical professionals are available to answer questions including physicians, therapists, and critical care nurses. We look forward to hearing from you.

Texas Therapy & Companion Pets
6665 Center Hwy
Nacogdoches, TX 75961
Jean Witt, Director
(936) 560-4213
E-mail: jeanthedoglady @ yahoo.com

Texas Therapy & Companion Pets, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides training and certification for people and their pets for visitations in a variety of area facilities in the East Texas area. We visit nursing homes, Alzheimer's groups, rehabilitation facilities and day care (both adult and children). We are looking for individuals who have an interest in joining us for a great year of fun and service. We provide trained, Certified dogs for those who would like to join us but do not have an animal or do not have one suitable or ready for visits. We work with students from SFA and area schools, who pair up with a dog from TTCP that is ready to go to work. Our goal for 2002 is to expand the area we serve to include surrounding counties so we need lots of new people. Our Organization will be having a Certification on Jan.26,2002 in Nacogdoches, Texas. If you need more information or have an interest in joining us, please write me, jeanthdoglady @ yahoo.com or call 936-560-4213.

Aggieland Pets With A Purpose
PO Box 10941
College Station, TX 77842
Shelly Bergeron - President
E-mail: information @ apwap.org

Aggieland Pets With A Purpose is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Brazos Valley area residents by enhancing their physical, social and emotional well-being with the unconditional love of our pets. APWAP provides volunteers and evaluated and trained animals for educational, rehabilitative, and emotional assistance purposes.

Paws Partners, Inc.
2604 Radcliffe Dr
Arlington, TX 76012
(214) 731-3192
E-mail: info @ pawspartnersinc.org

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing therapy dogs to those who wish to discover the enrichment that dogs can bring. We provide certification testing to all prospective members (handler and dog) and insurance to those certified and active members of the organization.

Hearts in Harmony Animal Assisted Therapy Group
22213 State Hwy 110 North
Troup, TX 75789
903-842-3539
E-mail: gr8jrt @ yahoo.com

Using Pet Partners certified therapy animals, we work with at-risk kids who are in residential treatment settings. Our mission: To provide animal therapy as an intervention for at-risk, neglected and abused children, thereby helping them develop healthy core behaviors.

We also operate a project called Pawsitive Hearts, a 6-week obedience training
project which pairs at-risk kids with rescue dogs from humane society. The dogs
learn appropriate manners to help them get adopted, and the kids gain valuable
self-confidence, a feeling of achievement, tools for teamwork and gain empathy for
the animals and each other. We are always looking for volunteers to help us conduct
these projects (every other month).

Paws 4 Hearts Working Therapy Dogs
Karen Minson, President
3019 View Ridge Dr.
Spring Branch , TX 78070
Phone: 210-325-3019

E-mail: paws4hearts @ ymail.com

We evaluate and train all interested dog teams in pet assistance therapy in the San Antonio and surrounding areas. Our teams provide smiles and encouragement, as well as physical and emotional support for many. We visit hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, military facilities, schools, and other specialized facilities - where ever our physical and emotional support is needed most. Our working therapy dogs are making a difference one paw print at a time.

Return to top

No groups found?


UTAH

Intermountain Therapy Animals
4050 South 2700 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
or
PO Box 17201
Salt Lake City, UT 84117
Phone 801-272-3439
Toll-free everywhere outside SLC area: 877-272-3439
Fax 801-272-3470
E-mail: info @ therapyanimals.org

Intermountain Therapy Animals was founded in 1993 and today has more than 300 Pet Partner teams serving more than 100 hospitals, care centers, residential treatment units, schools, libraries, hospice and youth detention facilities. We offer Team Training Courses and Team Screenings at least five times annually. We hold monthly meetings on educational and training topics interesting to our members to further their knowledge of animal-assisted therapy. We support and mentor our teams in finding sites that suit both them and their therapy companions; and we make over 100 presentations each year to area schools, organizations and professional groups. We also actively collaborate with other animal organizations in our area, because we believe that bringing our species together in therapeutic settings not only helps humans, it also increases their understanding of and appreciation for animals and their value--thus, ultimately benefiting the animals and their status in society as well. We have chapters in Bozeman, Montana, Twin Falls, Idaho, and Lake Tahoe, Nevada. We are also the home of the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program which has now spread to 49 states and 3 provinces of Canada

Utah Animal-Assisted Therapy Association
P.O. Box 18771
Salt Lake City, UT 84118-8771
Betty Brown, Executive Director
(801) 963-7696
E-mail: info @ uaata.org

UAATA is a non-profit organization based in Salt Lake City dedicated to bringing comfort, love and hope to those in need through the miracle of the human-animal bond. UAATA was formed expressly to fill the need for innovative, ground-breaking, professionally oriented programs that are beyond the scope of other animal-assisted therapy programs in the state. Through our Comforting friends program, we train and sponsor Pet Partner teams certified by the national Pet Partners. In the near future, we plan to establish a therapeutic farm called "Aesop's Stables" to offer respite from world cares for any and all who can benefit from the health-giving advantages that come from close interaction with animals in a rural, farm-like setting. We are proud to be an independent Affiliate Member of the Pet Partners.

Return to top

No groups found?


VERMONT

Therapy Dogs of Vermont
7 Forest Road
Essex Jct., VT 05452
Contact: Steve Reiman
(802)879-7320
E-mail: steve @ therapydogs.org

Therapy Dogs of Vermont is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization of highly-trained dogs and their handlers. Our handler/canine teams work on the emotional health of patients in hospitals and residents of nursing and retirement homes.

Our dogs walk the floors of many of the hospitals in Vermont as well as countless nursing and retirement homes. Our activities have often been documented in the media and our dog's faces are often the best known in a hospital. Our accomplishments are so appreciated that TDV members are thought of as privileged members of the medical team.

Return to top

No groups found?


VIRGINIA

Waggin' Hearts Therapy Dogs
10 Estes Mill Rd.
(540) 987-9632
Contact: Sally Petty
E-mail: wagginhearts @ yahoo.com

Waggin' Hearts Therapy Dogs is a group in Rappahannock County, VA. We visit nursing homes, hospitals, schools libraries & special events such as the Montgomery County Burn Foundation Burn Camp for children who are burn survivors. Although we are based in Rappahannock County we volunteer in other areas of Virginia as well. We have purebred as well as mixed breed dogs participating in our program of all shapes and sizes!

Caring Canines
1710 Calais Trail
Powhatan, VA 23139
(804) 897-4601
Contact: Aleta Shelton
E-mail: gashelton @ verizon.net

Caring Canines was founded in 1999 by Founder, Donna M. Henley. Caring Canines visits most of the major nursing homes in the Richmond area. We also visit local hospitals. We founded the Read 2 Rover program in local libraries and schools. Caring Canines sponsors the Therapy Dog Training Academy in Richmond, VA

Clever Canines Therapy & Obedience Club
1309 Duke Of Gloucester
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 520-7702
E-mail: gdane51 @ msn.com

We visit 7 different nursing and assisted living facilities in the Petersburg, Hopewell & Colonial Heights area.

Paws4Hearts
P.O. Box 9300
McLean, VA 22102
Contact phone number: 703-981-3591
E-mail: paws4hearts @ mcleanbible.org

Paws4Hearts is a group of volunteers from McLean Bible Church who desire to share their pets as a gift from God.

Return to top

No groups found?


WASHINGTON

Therapy Tails on Wheels(c)1995
Stephanie Fleming (Chapter 2)
Pacific-North West Coordinator
509-249-0878
E-mail: PYRGRL1 @ aol.com

Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas
Lori Gregory
14600 Ne 117th Circle
Vancouver, WA 98682
(360) 254-5107
E-mail: lorigregory @ rojothellama.com

We currently have three therapy llamas and two alpacas that visit hospitals, schools, senior communities, and rehab facilities within the Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA area. Our animals have completed nearly 400 therapy visits within the past 4 years, and also participate in many special events in our community that benefit charitable causes every year.

Project Canine
Judith Anderson-Wright
2400 NW 80th St. PMB 220
Seattle, WA 98117-4449
206-432-3004
E-mail: judi @ projectcanine.org

Project Canine, is a Seattle, WA based 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization devoted to improving the lives of dogs and humans through education, training, therapy dog and handler certification, and outreach. Our programs focus on bringing greater understanding and harmony to the human/canine relationship so that we might all live healthier, more compassionate lives. We offer animal assisted therapy activities in three programs:

All volunteers must attend training with their dogs, pass the required exam and participate in two shadow visits prior to joining in the activities.

EvergreenHealth Animal Assisted Therapy Program
Attn: Melissa Lubatti
12822 124th Lane NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
425-899-1028
E-mail: mrlubatti @ evergreenhealth.com

Our registered Pet Partner teams provide unconditional support and love to our patients, visitors and staff throughout our hospital and hospice care center. We would like to have enough teams to offer Animal Assisted Therapy visits seven days a week throughout our organization. Volunteers are provided with comprehensive training, ongoing support and continuing education.

Return to top

No groups found?


WASHINGTON, D.C.

Return to top

No groups found?


WEST VIRGINIA

Huntington West Virginia Kennel Club
3663 Rt. 60 East
Barboursville, WV. 25504
304 736-1747
Contact: Tim Childers
E-mail: knine77777 @ aol.com

Return to top

No groups found?


WISCONSIN

Pets Helping People, Inc.
3200 S. Pinewood Creek Ct. #104
New Berlin, WI 53151
(262) 785-8948
Cynthia Scherrer, Executive Director
E-mail: ragstu @ juno.com

We are a not for profit organization, in which we prepare people to use their pets in visits to nursing homes, schools, half-way houses. We also certify animals in Canine Good Citizen, Feline Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International. At present we serve Southeastern Wisconsin, based in New Berlin, a city just west of Milwaukee.

Therapy Dogs of Central Wisconsin
408 Pine island Lane
Schofield, WI 54476
(715) 355-5321

Lake Superior Paws For Love
P.O. Box 963
Ashland, Wisconsin 54806
E-mail: judiandjohn @ ashland.baysat.net

Bark River Therapy Dogs
W378S5059 W. Pretty Lake Rd.
Dousman,WI 53118
(262)965-3649
dogladyg@ameritech.net

We are currently visiting: a local hospital,a special training facility and several nursing and assisted living homes. Some of us also do private visits when requested.

Dogs On Call, Inc
208 S Orange St
Richland Center WI 53581
(608) 649-3647

Dogs On Call Inc. is a non-profit therapy animal organization promoting the benefits of animal assisted activities and animal assisted therapy in the Southern Wisconsin area by providing: 1. training for volunteer handler-animal teams, 2. evaluations for Pet Partners registration, and 3. placing teams in medical, residential, and educational facilities.  

Health Heelers Therapy Dogs


(262) 442-9633

E-mail: info @ HealthHeelers.com

Health Heelers provides AAT and AAA in healthcare, educational and community organizations in the greater Milwaukee area. Therapy Dog training and team mentoring is provided to all participants. Health Heelers also provides professional services including program design and consultation, and training of AAT professionals.

Return to top

No groups found?


AUSTRALIA

Velma's Pets As Therapy
PO Box 324, Killara, NSW 2071, Australia
Phone (02) 9418 4365
Fax - + 61 2 9418 4365
Contact Velma Violet Harris
E-mail: velma @ velmaspetsastherapy.com.au

Caring Canine Companions
Golden Retriever Club of South Australia Inc
Community Visitors Scheme
Volunteer Coordinator: Mrs Josephine Eatts
Post Office Box 704
Willunga, South Australia, 5172
(08) 8556 2592
FREECALL 1800 077 722
E-mail: jeatts @ chariot.net.au

Our group has been operating almost 10 years and volunteers and their dogs (all breeds)visit Residential Aged Care Nursing Homes and Hostels throughout the State of South Australia on a regular commitment basis, fortnightly or weekly (some daily). We have an assessment test for our dogs, and appropriate insurance for our volunteers. Training for dogs is available, and we offer support, training and lots of recognition for our volunteers.

Return to top

No groups found?


CANADA

BISHPets
307 King Street East, Suite 303
Hamilton, ON
CANADA

BISHPets is a service supported by Brain Injury Services of Hamilton (BISH). The program provides animal assisted activity and animal assisted therapy (AAA/AAT) to BISH participants and also to many agencies in the Hamilton community. The teams also partner with local libraries on their literacy assistance program for children called Paws for Reading. BISHPets also runs an affordable six-week BISHPets Preschool for potential therapy teams who might benefit from a gentle "tune up". BISHPets is proud to be the first Canadian affiliate group of the internationally-recognized Pet Partners.

Pacific Animal Therapy Society
9412 Lauries Lane,
Sidney B.C. V8L 4L2.
Contact: Sadey Guy, Volunteer Coordinator for P.A.T.S.
E-mail: patspets @ shaw.ca
(250) 656-4283 (Voice)
(250) 656-4383 (Fax)

We are a local pet therapy group on Vancouver Island B.C. about 300 strong. We have been working for 11 years. Here in the south Island we visit 44 facilities, plus home visits when requested. The other groups visit 5 Facilities, smaller population in their area. We have no funding, strictly on donations. We are all Volunteers no paid staff. Volunteers with pets regularly visit all types of care facilities,homes hospitals institutions. P.A.T.S. participates in community events, parades,fairs,displays. Pet loss phone line with trained Volunteers offers emotional support. Speakers available to explain the benefits of human /animal relationships.

Therapy Dogs Inc. of St. John's NF
Angie West
31 Drovers Heights
Portugal Cove-St Philip's NF
A1M 3G6
(709) 895-2734
E-mail: doggy.west @ nl.rogers.com

Therapeutic Paws of Canada
2886 Front Road, Hawkesbury, ON K6A 2R2
(613) 632-6502
Judy Sauvé
E-mail: mikejudysauve @ sympatico.ca

At Therapeutic Paws of Canada we offer a volunteer based therapy dog visitation programme for senior's facilities such as retirement homes, nursing homes, Alzheimer day away centers, hospitals and where there is a need. We welcome dedicated individuals to join us in this new therapy dog programme. TPOC is a registered corporation and has charitable status. All our volunteers are covered by insurance when visiting on our behalf.

Return to top

No groups found?


United Kingdom

Comfort cats
Hastings East Sussex UK
Tele-01424-718810
E-mail: jayne.wood2 @ btopenworld.com

Comfort cats and Canine Concern are UK charities for therapy cats and dogs. We visit the sick,elderly,handicapped and those unable to keep a pet of there own anymore.


DogPlay's Visiting Pet Stuff

Check the other articles on therapy dogs, visiting pets and related topics.Oso icon to visiting pet index

Also see Books and Publications - How to train your dog, how to start a program, and more.
Help finding information of visiting pets and therapy dogs
Lost? PageList lists all the DogPlay pages. Check the Help page. Help

                   

The Truth About Dogs Series
Xylitol risk to your dog
Unexpected electric danger to your dog on the street

DogPlay Shops Mall Custom therapy shirts, mugs, buttons, stickers and other dog lover gifts: DogPlay Shops

Copyright © 1998-2008, Diane Blackman     Created: May 11, 1998     Updated December 29, 2012    

Help with Contacting DogPlay

For information on linking and other uses of this material see the copyright page.
Disclaimer and Privacy Policy
Unauthorized copy discovery is enabled
  Help        About               Partners        Listing      Home