Therapy Dogs United, Inc. impacts the quality of life for thousands of children, adults and seniors throughout Erie and Crawford counties.  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.