South Florida is home to several therapy dog groups that provide valuable services to various communities, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities. These groups help train therapy dogs and their handlers to offer emotional support and comfort to people in need. Here is an overview of some notable therapy dog groups in South Florida:
1. Therapy Dogs International (TDI) – South Florida Chapter
Website: Therapy Dogs International
Overview: Therapy Dogs International is a national organization with local chapters across the United States, including South Florida. TDI’s mission is to provide qualified handlers and their therapy dogs for visitations to institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
Activities:
- Visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities to provide emotional support to patients and residents.
- Participating in reading programs at schools and libraries, where children read to dogs to improve their literacy skills.
- Engaging in disaster relief efforts to offer comfort to victims and first responders.
2. Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T.) (ONE OF MY FAVORITES!)
Website: Canine Assisted Therapy
Overview: Based in Oakland Park, Florida, Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T.) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing certified therapy dogs and their handlers to help improve the health and well-being of individuals in various settings.
Activities:
- Offering animal-assisted therapy sessions in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and mental health facilities.
- Conducting the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program in schools and libraries to enhance children’s reading skills.
- Providing comfort and support to individuals affected by traumatic events, including survivors and first responders.
3. Pawsitive Friendships
Website: Pawsitive Friendships
Overview: Pawsitive Friendships is a non-profit organization that focuses on enhancing the lives of children with special needs through animal-assisted therapy. They work with therapy dogs to help children achieve specific therapy goals.
Activities:
- Working with occupational, speech, and physical therapists to incorporate therapy dogs into treatment plans for children with special needs.
- Providing therapy dog visits to schools and special education programs to support social and emotional development.
- Hosting events and programs that promote the benefits of animal-assisted therapy for children and their families.
4. Alliance of Therapy Dogs (I AM A MEMBER AND THEY ARE GREAT FOR WHAT I DO)
Website: Alliance of Therapy Dogs
Overview: The Alliance of Therapy Dogs is a national organization that registers, insures, and supports therapy dogs and their handlers. They have a presence in South Florida, where they connect therapy dog teams with facilities in need of their services.
Activities:
- Facilitating visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities to provide comfort and companionship to patients and residents.
- Implementing reading programs in schools and libraries to help children improve their reading skills by reading to therapy dogs.
- Supporting community outreach programs that promote the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
5. Paw Pals Pet Therapy
Website: Paw Pals Pet Therapy
Overview: Paw Pals Pet Therapy is a volunteer-based organization in South Florida that trains and certifies therapy dog teams to visit various facilities and provide emotional support to individuals in need.
Activities:
- Organizing therapy dog visits to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice centers to offer comfort and companionship.
- Participating in educational programs at schools to help children with reading and social skills development.
- Supporting veterans and military personnel through specialized therapy dog programs designed to address the unique needs of this population.
6. Healing Paws
Website: Healing Paws
Overview: Healing Paws is a non-profit organization based in South Florida that provides therapy dog services to a variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, schools, and community events.
Activities:
- Offering regular visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers to provide emotional support and enhance the well-being of patients and residents.
- Conducting animal-assisted therapy sessions in schools to support children’s academic and social development.
- Participating in community events and outreach programs to raise awareness about the benefits of therapy dogs.
These therapy dog groups in South Florida play a crucial role in enhancing the emotional well-being and quality of life for many individuals. By providing trained therapy dog teams, they offer comfort, support, and companionship to those in need, making a positive impact on the community. If you are interested in getting involved, many of these organizations offer volunteer opportunities and training programs for aspiring therapy dog handlers and their dogs.