Therapy Dogs
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A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, people with learning difficulties, and stressful situations, such as disaster areas. Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds. The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament. A good therapy dog must be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and at ease in all situations. Therapy dogs must enjoy human contact and be content to be petted and handled, sometimes clumsily. A therapy dog's primary job is to allow unfamiliar people to make physical contact with it and to enjoy that contact. Children in particular enjoy hugging animals; adults usually enjoy simply petting the dog. The dog might need to be lifted onto, or climb onto, an individual's lap or bed and sit or lie comfortably there. Many dogs contribute to the visiting experience by performing small tricks for their audience or by playing carefully structured games. Reference Wikipedia. We have found some really great articles on therapy dogs and have included them here for your reading enjoyment. Some of them may even bring a tear to your eye. A dog named Willow. Gentle, perceptive collie comforts people with physical challenges written by Sandy Thorn Clark Wednesday January 26, 2011 If you are interested in learning more about therapy dogs here are a few links to look at: Therapy Dogs Inc. Delta Society Therapy Dog Page The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs Therapy Dogs Unit To see some wonderful dogs at work please visit Duke Cancer Institute, Patient Care www.dukehealth.org www.dukehealth.org in the search box put dogs, then the section on meet our therapy dogs come up. This is a great over view of how therapy dogs are enriching the lives of people across the world. USA Nationwide - Contact the individual organization for information on groups near you. Delta Society Pet Partners Programs 875 124TH Avenue, NE Suite 101 Bellevue, WA 98005 U.S.A. (425) 679-5500 E-mail: info @ deltasociety.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. Alpha Affiliates, Inc. PO Box 176 Mendham, NJ 07945 0176 Telephone (973) 539-2770 Fax (973) 644-0610 E-mail: AlphaAffiliates @ webtv.net Alpha was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits between people and animals through education. Their entire staff is volunteer and as an organization has been designated by the IRS 501 (c) (3) Resources include videos, printed material from their seminars, advance directive for pet care, etc. One of the videos I reviewed was very nicely done showing a typical visit and demonstrating visit etiquette and safety. I liked it because it looked and sounded exactly like the visits I do. Membership includes their quarterly publication Alpha Bits. 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Delta Society 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 Delta Society Pet Partners. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CALIFORNIA Friendship Foundation PO Box 6525 Albany, CA 94706 (510) 528-9104 contact person: Elizabeth Soares Friendship Foundation volunteers and their pets visit various health care facilities to enrich the lives of children and adults. A designated liaison arranges and attends all visits. Pets are required to undergo complete health exams and temperament testing. Humane Society of Sonoma County Pet Assisted Therapy PO Box 1296 Santa Rosa, CA 95407 707 542-0882 Ext. 283 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. S*M*A*R*T* Dogs, Inc. 8019 Bristol Road Dublin, CA 94586-1642 Contact: Carolyn Day E-mail: cday25 @ sbcgobal.net 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: gabbro @ well.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 @sbcglobal.net Loving Animals Providing Smiles (LAPS) welcomes all types of domestic pets and their handlers into volunteer service 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 and work with. Based in Napa, California, LAPS also maintains programs in 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 Assistance Dog Institute PO Box 2334 Rohnert Park, CA 94927 Founder: Bonita M. Bergin, Ed.D. (707) 585-0300 E-mail: assistdog @ aol.com The Assistance Dog Institute is a preeminent research and development organization in the assistance dog field. It maintains an active program in social/therapy dog research, gathering data on the effects of canine interaction with emotionally disturbed children in special day treatment environments, with clinically depressed adults in group outpatient therapy, and with severely disabled children and young people in special education classrooms, to name just a few. 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. Helping Paws A Chapter of Therapy Dogs International 5730 N. First Street Suite 105-545 Fresno, CA 93710 (559) 430-6434 E-mail: marynpenny @ yahoo.com A Fresno-area chapter of Therapy Dogs International. Local group of TDI handlers, meets monthly, activities, practice TDI tests, training help. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COLORADO Colorado Therapy Animals PO Box 549 Lafayette, CO 80026 Contact phone number 303-287-9191 E-mail: info @ coloradotherapyanimals.org Most of our members are Delta Pet Partners, active with hospital, hospice and nursing home visits and children's reading programs. We have bi-monthly meetings, provide Delta workshops, evaluations and mentoring. K9 c.a.r.e.s. (Canine Assisted Reduction of Eventful Stress) P. O. Box 351525 Westminster, CO 80035 Contact phone number (303) 469-3339 E-mail: carolync @ k9cares.org The K9 C.A.R.E.S (Canine Assisted Reduction of Eventful Stress) Victim Support program assists trauma victims recovery in a unique and special way with the assistance of specially trained therapy dogs. The mission of K9 C.A.R.E.S. is to help people reduce their stress and start healing through the comfort and motivation of a specially trained dog and their trained Victim Advocate handler. Through criminal justice and law enforcement victim/witness services units, our program?s passion is about helping people; its two-and four-legged teams who work in reaching the heart and soul of its victims by breaking down barriers to enable victims to work through emotional trauma towards recovery. K9 c.a.r.e.s. also provides services to local hospitals, domestic violence Shelters and is an affliated R.E.A.D. Program at local libraries. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Delta Society Certified Pet Partners, who work throughout Connecticut in Nursing Homes, Schools, hospitals and children's facilities. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DELAWARE Just 'Fur' You Pet Visitation (a program of Faithful Friends, Inc.) 3 Germay Drive, Suite 4 Wilmington, DE 19804 (302) 427-8514 x5 Contact: Shannon O'Neill, Program Director E-mail: pettherapy @ faithfulfriends.us The Just 'Fur' You Program trains people and their pets (cats & dogs) to serve eldercare and special needs individuals. The program serves facilities across the state of Delaware and surrounding areas. 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Orlando Humane Society Pet Assisted Therapy Jake White, Director of Community Affairs (407) 351-7722 ext. 230 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 Delta Society and follow Delta Society'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 Delta Society'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. Sumter PAWS Therapy Dogs 6233 CR 609 Bushnell, Fl. 33513 Contact phone number 352-446-4041 E-mail: sodapop2322 @ yahoo.com Over thirty-five Therapy Dogs visiting ten facilities within two counties on a monthly basis. Includes two elementary schools & the City of Bushnell Public Library for our "read-to-the-dogs program. Volunteer Handlers & Dog Teams bringing "Pet Love" to strangers. Happy Tails Therapy Dogs 6233 CR 609 Bushnell, Fl 33513 E-mail: sodapop2322 @ yahoo.com We offer a free Therapy Dog Training Workshop instructed by two Therapy Dog Inc. registered Tester/Observers. The workshop is held at the City of Bushnell Florida Public Library at various times throughout the year. Call the library for Workshop dates at 1-(352)-446-4041. Ask for Ms. Tina or Ms. Linda. Or you may e-mail Carl at sodapop2322@yahoo.com. Some of our Handlers visit assisted living facilities, group homes, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes and cancer centers. Others visit the county youth center and public library for the Read-to-the-Dog program. If you have a friendly dog who likes people and you have a few hours to spare to make someone or a group happy by visiting with you and your dog then by all means join a Therapy Dog group and help make folks Smile, One-Wag-of-a-Tail at a 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. The Alpha Society, Inc. 2912 W. San Nicholas Tampa, FL 33629 813-758-6106 We evaluate,certify and register Handlers and their Therapy Dogs. We assist the new members in finding the best match for visitation. We are the only organization in Hillsborough County, FL which provides this service. Our membership comprises the founder of the Ocala, Fl, San Diego, CA and Williamsburg VA programs. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity foundation. Star Bright Therapy Dogs 2025 SW Libra Lane Port St. Lucie, FL 34984 (772) 342-5275 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 and other facilities. One of the biggest efforts by the Star Bright Dog teams is the Waggin' Tales Reading program for the St. Lucie County library system. 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. Grace Animal Therapy Minstry Grace Episcopal Church 510 SE Broadway St Ocala, FL 34471 (352)622-7881 E-mail: kkudia @ peoplepc.com We are a non-profit therapeutic animal visitation support group who prepares, shares, educates and networks both locally in Ocala, Florida area and nationally. Our first Therapy Dog Team started on May 22, 2011 and membership is open to the public and there are no membership dues 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 Contact phone number 770-252-5303 E-mail: Melissa @ READingPaws.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. 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 Delta Society. 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. People, Animals, Nature, Inc (PAN) Attention: Debbie Coultis 1820 Princeton Circle Naperville IL 60565 (630) 369-8328 Contact Person: Debbie Coultis, President and CEO E-mail: coultis @ attglobal.net PAN's mission is also to disseminate information about the vital linkages between healthy human growth, development and education and contact with animals and natural environments. PAN pursues this end through publication of a newsletter, meetings and workshops, courses in classroom and distributed format, and publications. Courses are University affiliated. 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. Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club (630) 466-7953 Lora Johnson E-mail: info @ fvtherapydogs.org We provide canine assisted activities and therapy in schools, hospitals, nursing and rehabilitation facilities and other community organizations in the area surrounding Yorkville, Illinois. In achieving this mission, the club also functions to further advance and refine the therapy skills of experienced handlers and their canine counterparts, by providing seminars, skills practice and unique educational opportunities to educate members and strengthen the dog and handler bond. 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 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 When last visited this web site did not provide full access. 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 Pets on Wheels of Prince George's County 6500 Riggs Road Hyattsville, MD 20783 (301) 853-3330 Elaine Goad, Program Coordinator Pets on Wheels Charles & St Mary's County Director: Michael Capps Telephone: (301) 392-0155 E-mail: CCPetsOnWheels @ aol.com 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. 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. Pals on Paws Therapy Dog International, Inc. Chapter Coon Rapids, Minnesota (763) 497-5809 Pat Kinch E-mail: directors @ palsonpaws.org Pals On Paws of Minnesota meets in Coon Rapids, and visits in the surrounding communities. The group has been a chapter of Therapy Dogs International since 1997. 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. WAGS (Wonderful Animals Giving Support) WAGS Group c/o Gwen Snead Rt. #4 Box 315 Nevada, MO 64772 contact phone number 417-667-2074 E-mail: gwen @ aicon.net Members of our group visit senior care facilities, reading programs for schools, public library, hospitals, educational & fundraising events, parades, etc. in Missouri & Kansas. At this time we have several Delta certified teams with dogs, cat, miniature horses and the possibility of gaining an Alpaca, Rag Doll cat, rabbits & birds. Return to top No groups found? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEBRASKA Lincoln Pet Partners Inc. 1724 Trelawney Dr. Lincoln, NE 68512-1828 (402) 423-3596 S.J. Byorth E-mail: lincolnpetpartners @ Yahoo.com We are a group of volunteers in Lincoln, Nebraska who visit various hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities with our pets. We are all members of the Delta Society Pet Partners program. We have a Delta certified evaluator and instructor. A class is offered each quarter through Lincoln's branch of the Southeast Community College followed by testing of the animal/handler teams. 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 Delta Society. 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. 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 Delta Society 148 Ridgewood Dr Syracuse, NY 13206 Contact: 315-481-0130 E-mail: petpartnersofsyracuse @ gmail.com An affiliate of Delta Society, 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 Delta Society 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 Delta Society 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 delta society 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 Delta Society. We offer classes and workshops that train humans and their canine partners for the Delta Society evaluation. Once you have passed the evaluation and are registered as a Delta Society 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. Sunshine Friends, Inc. P.O. Box 6936 Syracuse, NY 13217 Contact phone number 315-457-7622 E-mail: sfipettherapy @ aol.com SFI is a non-profit organization that provides animal assisted therapy and activity programs to the Central New York community. 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 Delta Society Pet Partner 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 Delta Society 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 E-mail: dinichols @ peopleandanimalswhoserve.org PAAWS is an affiliate of Delta Society 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. 8506 Memorial Drive Green Lane, PA 18054 (215) 234-0362 Bob Turino, President E-mail: bcbj @ comcast.net Comfort Caring Canines is a dedicated group of volunteers who share the love of their trained and tested therapy dogs with others. Handler/dog teams must pass our two-part temperament and obedience test. Then our members decide when and where they want to visit, alone or with a group. We cover Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. 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. 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. Penny's From Heaven Foundation Therapy Dogs 1915 Eagle Meadow San Antonio, TX 78248 Contact phone 210 273 6471 E-mail: patsy @ pennysfromheavenfoundation.org Penny's From Heaven Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization that evaluates, tests, trains, qualifies, and assists therapy dog/handler teams in order to provide loving, nurturing and empathic visitation in nursing homes, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, senior residences, schools, private homes, military care facilities, and other locations where emotional support dogs are indispensable, such as crisis intervention. Hearts in Harmony Animal Assisted Therapy Group 22213 State Hwy 110 North Troup, TX 75789 903-842-3539 E-mail: gr8jrt @ yahoo.com Using Delta Society 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 Delta Society. 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 Delta Society. 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 Dogs On Call 2308 24th Street Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 293-4675 E-mail: dogsoncall@ gmail.com Dogs On Call is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that serves NW Washington State by helping suitable teams get certified and find opportunities for volunteering and helps venues/facilities interested in AAA/AAT find suitable teams. 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. 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 Delta Society's Pet Partners registration, and 3. placing teams in medical, residential, and educational facilities. |
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