Therapy Dog Organizations in New England The Pets and People Foundation - Massachusetts Founded in 1985 by a group of public health professionals and veterinarians with the objective of improving life for those institutionalized for whatever reason, and whether they were old or young. Volunteers and their pets visit facilities in more than 30 cities and towns in Massachusetts. The demand continues to grow. DOG B.O.N.E.S. Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts Dog B.O.N.E.S. - Dogs Building Opportunities for Nurturing and Emotional Support - is a Massachusetts based volunteer organization whose primary purpose is to provide well trained, affectionate, obedient, registered and insured therapy dog teams (dog and handler) for visitation to nursing facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools and preschools and any other Massachusetts location where they may provide therapeutic contact with the elderly, the disabled, or the young. FMI: dogbonestherapydogs@comcast.net, 781 378-1551 Massachusetts Pet Partners, Inc. Massachusetts Pet Partners is a registered affiliate of Delta Society Pet Partners. They provide training, evaluations and support. Pet Partners offer animal-assisted activities (AAA), animal-assisted therapy (AAT), and animal-assisted therapy services. PetPals Program - Boston area Begun in 2003, this program serves elderly residents of long-term care facilities in the Boston area. Caring Canines Visiting Therapy Dogs, Inc. - Boston area An all-volunteer, non-profit canine pet therapy program serving the Boston area. The main visitation program consists of scheduled group visits with an average of 4 to 6 dogs at assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and residential group homes. They also have a number of special programs. All visits are offered free of charge as a community service. Capering Canines of Cape Cod A canine musical freestyle group that performs musical routines, cute tricks, and visits with registered therapy dogs. They also offer canine musical freestyle classes in Dennisport MA. Companion Animal Program of Cape Cod This program seeks to enhance the quality of life of the older and disabled population. They provide dog training, evaluation, orientation, and set up a visitation schedule. Pawprints Dog Visitation Program - Children's Hospital, Boston There is usually a wait-list to participate in this program. FMI: Pawprints coordinator, 617-355-6279 The Tails of Joy - Connecticut Tails Of Joy is an Animal Assisted Therapy group established in 1995. They are a Delta Society Pet Partners® Affiliate Group based in the Manchester, Connecticut area. The Canine Company - Albany NY area A service group which is part of Albany Obedience Club, dedicated to visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and elementary schools with well-behaved, well-mannered, friendly dogs. Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital - Salem, NH Northeast Rehab Hospital has a very active Animal Facilitated Therapy Program. The program uses volunteers and well-screened, highly-trained animals. Animals are used within the context of traditional treatment sessions with physical, occupational and speech therapists. Additionally, the animals also make social visits to patients. FMI: 603-893-2900 NATIONAL GROUPS Therapy Dogs International, Inc. The oldest and largest therapy dog organization founded in 1976 with members in all 50 states, Canada, and other foreign countries. TDI is a volunteer group organized to provide qualified handlers and their Therapy Dogs for visitations to institutions, facilities, and any other place where Therapy Dogs are needed. A list of requirements for registration with TDI is provided on the web site. FMI: Therapy Dogs International, Inc., 88 Bartley Rd, Flanders, NJ 07836; Phone 973 252-9800; Fax 973 252-7171 or e-mail tdi@gti.net Delta Society's Pet Partners Program A nationwide registration system for pets and volunteers, compassionate pet owners share the physical and emotional benefits that can result from contact with animals. Pet Partners visit hospitalized children, adults who are ill or lonely, people with disabilities and others. The program registers companion animals that successfully complete health, skills, and aptitude screening, and pet owners who complete volunteer training. FMI: The Delta Society; 875 124th Ave NE, Ste 101; Bellevue, WA 98005; 425 226-7357, info@deltasociety.org Related Links Assistance dogs There are three types of Assistance Dogs: GUIDE DOGS for the blind and the visually impaired HEARING DOGS for the deaf and hard of hearing SERVICE DOGS for the physically disabled and/or mobility impaired. Assistance Dogs International, Inc. is a coalition of members representing organizations and individuals training and placing Assistance Dogs. The purpose of ADI is to improve the areas of training, placement, and utilization of Assistance Dogs. They also set minimum standards and guidelines for the training of assistance dogs. Assistance Dogs International Member Organizations & Contact List Aids for the mobility-impaired pet Return to CRDTC home page Last updated: Jan-2010