Therapy Dogs

General Information / Associations & Organizations / Fundraisers & Events / Books

General Information: Therapy Dogs are used for the benefit, both physical and emotional, of people in hospitals, seniors' residences, nursing homes, day care centres, special needs schools, psychiatric hospitals and many other places where people may be restricted from having pets. The medical profession has widely acknoweledged that stroking and petting animals can have a calming effect, lower blood pressure, and relieve tension. Just about any dog of sound temperament can become a Therapy Dog. However, certain capabilities must be demonstrated such as accepting a friendly stranger, staying calm, sitting on command, and reacting well to other dogs and/or distractions. Pets for Seniors — Article by David the Dogman A Meaningful Activity for You & Your Animal Companion — by Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ CoachTM The Power of Pet Therapy Volunteer and Take Your Dog With You

Bralex's Dark Winter's Dream "Peggy Sue" Qualified through St. John Ambulance and works in several nursing homes and with children with disabilities. Her temperament is wonderful and she is a true Therapy Dog in her affection for people. Photo courtesy of: Bralex Perm. Reg'd. Labrador Retrievers

Therapy Dogs — By Ruth Bird The Growing Use of Pets as Therapy by Lisa Scott (Added 11 April 2006) Dogs And Pets Provide Health Benefits by Robert Benson (Added 11 April 2006) Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) — This program was developed by Intermountain Therapy Animals "to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered Pet Partner therapy teams as literacy mentors." R.E.A.D. was launched in 1999 as the first comprehensive literacy program developed around the idea of reading to dogs. Today, there are hundreds of registered R.E.A.D. teams working throughout the United States and Canada. "Nicki", and the Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) Program — Nicki was the first Shiloh Shepherd to achieve cerftification under the specialized Therapy Program known as Reading Education Assistance (R.E.A.D.) Dogs. Read More... How A Therapy Dog Can Help You Heal by Maryann Mannax (Added 31 December 2007)

• The Canadian Foundation for Animal-Assisted Support Services
  P.O. Box 279
  Winchester, Ontario, K0C 2K0
  Tel.: 613-774-0001
  E-mail: generalinfo@cf4aass.org
  Website address: www.cf4aass.org and www.cf4aass.org/events

  Vision Statement: Our vision is to support the innovation, coordination, and integration of Animal-Assisted Support Services.

  Mission Statement: Our mission is to receive and maintain a fund to build the capabilities of individuals facing physical, intellectual, emotional, behavioral, developmental, social and spiritual challenges through the use of animal assisted therapy and related services.

  Goals: To unite Animal-Assisted Support Services Stakeholders to identify core values and common priorities to stimulate collaborative action in the spirit of cooperation and inclusiveness. To inspire and ensure a consistent level of quality, safety, and End-user satisfaction.

• Diamond In The Ruff Medical Dogs
  Located in the GTA, Ontario (Serving all of Canada)
  Tel.: 905-782-3647
  Offering pre-trained medical service dogs, owner assisted medical service dogs and obedience classes for the general public, seniors and those with disabilities in a home-like environment simulating real life for a great well-rounded family pet. Providing services for all medical and physical conditions including cross mobility dogs.
• East Central Therapy Dogs
  Located in Peterborough, Ontario and consisting of approximately 60 volunteer members who visit nursing and retirement homes in Peterborough, Minden and Haliburton, VON daycare centres, Community Living centres, local group homes and both locations of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
• HABAC
  Human-Animal Bond Association of Canada
• Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA)

A non-profit organization and affiliate of the International Delta Society. The ITA specializes in providing animal-assisted therapy in the areas of physical, occupational, speech and psychotherapies, as well as special education. Volunteers are trained to provide pet-facilitated therapy in hospitals, schools, mental institutions, nursing facilities, detention homes, extended care centers, and other care-giving facilities.
• P.A.T.S. — Pacific Animal Therapy Society
  Operates as an active animal therapy program on southern Vancouver Island.
• Pacific Assistance Dog Society
  PADS’ mission is to raise and train dogs for people who are facing the daily challenges of life with a disability other than blindness, in order to provide a greater level of independence and an enhanced quality of life. Serving people in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
• Pets and Friends
  Pets and Friends is BC’s oldest pet visitation program and is now celebrating its 25th year of operation. Serving the Lower Mainland area of British Columbia.
• St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program
• Therapeutic Paws of Canada — A volunteer based therapy dog visitation programme for senior's facilities such as retirement homes, nursing homes, Alzheimer day away centers, hospitals and where there is a need.
• Therapy Dogs Incorporated — First St. John's Chapter — Dedicated to providing pet visitation services in hospitals, chronic care homes and other institutions in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Please see the main Working Dogs section for upcoming events.