Therapy Dogs United

Therapy Dogs United, Inc. impacts the quality of life for thousands of children, adults and seniors throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York. Our therapy dogs provide the catalyst for positive change by motivating emotionally and physically challenged individuals. We open dialogue with the abused, disabled, sick, lonely, injured, or depressed. Our programs inspire learning and change - and include everyone. Our certified therapy dog teams are personally committed to bring joy and inspiration to every human life we touch. Rooted in the strength of the unique human-to-animal bond, our programs reach beyond traditional forms of rehabilitation and treatment. Let our team of certified therapy dogs erase the language barrier, and start making a difference in your life today! We're ready to show you how.

What is a Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog is a friend to everyone! Therapy dogs are extremely patient and loving - and provide great companionship.

Therapy Dogs United, Inc. brings only the best-natured, and most well-trained dogs to your location, free of charge! Reliability and training is the backbone of our agency. We visit hospitals, rehabilitation and hospice facilities, schools, senior centers, nursing communities, homeless shelters, homes for youth at-risk, bereavement centers and beyond. Our successful outreach programs are tailored to meet your specific needs...and our programs are growing every day! If you're looking for emotional or physical support, look no further - you've come to the right place. Anyone can benefit from the unique animal-to-human bond. It's not just our mission; it's our personal commitment to you.

What Does a Therapy Dog Do?
Sometimes a therapy dog just sits or lies quietly while being petted - listening to story after story about a nursing home resident's former

dog. Sometimes a therapy dog will visit an elementary school to help teach children about the humane care of animals, or join in during story time to help relax the group. But, did you know that a therapy dog can help a child to learn? A child who has difficulty reading is the perfect candidate to curl up alongside a therapy dog to enjoy a good book. Studies show children find the non-judgmental ears of a therapy dog the perfect choice to hone and improve their reading skills. A therapy dog may also work with disabled or autistic children. In a hospital setting, a therapy dog might visit patients in pediatrics, oncology, or even hospice centers. Sometimes a hospital will invite a therapy dog to visit the emergency room because of the calming effect on patients, doctors, nurses and staff members working in the high-stress environment.

How Can a Therapy Dog Help?
Visiting with animals can help you feel less lonely and less depressed. People are more active and responsive both during - and after - a visit with animals. Medical studies and clinical research show that a therapy dog can not only have medical benefits - such as stress relief, or lower blood pressure - but provide a sense of comfort, confidence, and companionship.

With Therapy Dogs United - the therapist is ALWAYS in! Comfort, trust, and a powerful prescription only a LOVING therapy dog can provide! It's our personal commitment to you.

Please consider helping our nonprofit organization by making an online Change.org Donation or donating through Facebook Causes. We have an urgent need for your financial support.

Paws in Motion - TDU Testimonials

"Thank you so much for your weekly therapy dog visits to Westlake Woods Assisted Living Center. Just knowing that my mother is able to once again interact with a dog gives us peace of mind. She loves visiting with your therapy dogs so much I honestly believe it is the highlight of her week." Suzanne, Erie PA

"Working with a therapy dog provides this child with a major opportunity to feel important and a sense of success. In addition to having severe emotional and behavioral problems, this is a child who is cognitively limited. The combination of all of those factors often make it difficult for the child to experience such huge success, but she really connects with animals and I know she absolutely loves working with her TDU therapy dog. I think it provides this child with a chance to build her self-esteem and self-confidence. It's so important to focus on and nurture the positive qualities of our kids, especially since it's pretty easy to get bogged down in the negatives. This therapy dog experience definitely helps this child focus on her strengths." Anne McGinnis, M.Ed., Pre-Doctoral Intern, Sarah Reed Children's Center, Erie PA

"Your volunteers bring such a sense of professionalism to each and every visit, you should be proud! Thank you Therapy Dogs United for everything you do." Bruce Monroe, Erie PA

"Your therapy dog reading program at Barnes & Noble has been a wonderful outlet for my daughter. Being able to read to the dogs has given her more confidence. She definately looks forward to your weekly visits!" MaryAnne Rivera, Erie PA

"We love making blankets and toys for your therapy dogs. It's a great way to say thank you for your visits, and give our Seniors a valuable craft activity. They really look forward to it." Patty Czulewicz, Activities Director, Lakeside Senior Center of the Barber National Institute, Erie PA

Sign Up for Our E-Newsletter
Get the scoop from "Scoops the Dog" available only in our monthly newsletter! Sign up now to find out what's happening with your friends at Therapy Dogs United, Inc. And - check out his Scoops the Dog Blog!

Donate or Shop Online
TDU's PA Specialty License Plates are Available Now!
For $58, you can purchase this official TDU "Paw Print" specialty license plate. Don't delay - Apply Now! To download your application as a .pdf - click here. Your support will be used to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Erie and Crawford county residents in need of emotional ot behavioral support, or physical therapy. Please consider making a donation today. To donate online - click here! Or buy our exclusive line of "My Dog is My Therapist" merchandise!

TDU Therapy Dog Testing:
Friday, March 12th
Our next Therapy Dog Evaluation is set for Friday, March 12th from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Reserve your place now by calling our office at (814) 456-DOGS (3647), or send an Email to our evaluator today. Want your dog to be certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen? We can do that too! For more information or to schedule - call today!

Upcoming Events
Plan to join your TDU friends at one of our 2010 fundraising events! You won't want to miss our Celebrity Bartending event at Nelson's Tavern on State Street, Thursday, May 6th. Join us as we celebrate "Be Kind to Animals" week. Be sure to stop by Nelson's in April and sponsor a $1 dog cutout. Mark your calendar now for these other fundraising events: Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, Saturday, June 5th at Presque Isle State Park; our 2nd annual Thursday Night Block Party at Park Place Tavern on Thursday, July 22nd; our signature event - the 3rd annual "Paws in the Park" Responsible Dog Ownership Day,Saturday, September 18th at Froniter Park, and our 2nd annual "Mutts & Martini's Celebration," Friday, November 12th at the Bel Aire. Click here for complete event listing, or call our office at (814) 456-DOGS for information.

Become a Volunteer
Email us to request your Volunteer Application. Right now, TDU has a need for volunteers both with and without a dog. Internship opportunities are also available. Call (814) 456-DOGS for more information, or Email today.