Our Mission

Therapy Dogs United, Inc. inspires physical and emotional healing through the use of interactive animal-assisted therapy and humane education.

We have a proven track record of success. Every volunteer representing Therapy Dogs United is personally committed to make sure your visit is pleasant, relaxing, and memorable.

Visits by our certified team of therapy dogs is available to any Member Agency that can benefit from our care. We only visit public facilities, not private residences.

Therapy Dogs United identifies each therapy dog, and his or her volunteer handler, as a "therapy dog team." On average, you can expect a typical visit to last 40 minutes to one hour. Some programs require visits made by more than one therapy dog team. We are proud to honor all visitation requests. Most scheduled visits take place in a community room where interested patients or residents have gathered - or are visits are made room-by-room.

Our agency is proactive...and we show it by working hard to make a difference in every life we touch. A therapy dog certified through Therapy Dogs United is easily identified in the community - and on the job - by our signature blue embroidered vest. We require each volunteer handler to undergo the Act 33 Pennsylvania Child Abuse background check, and wear a photo identification badge.

Volunteer of the Year  

Nothing is Stronger than the Heart of a Volunteer.

And, we truly believe that.  Therapy Dogs United is proud to annually recognize one volunteer who strives to not only make a positive difference within our own agency but throughout the community as well.   Volunteer of the Year Nomination Applications are being accepted now through October 15th for TDU's 2012 Volunteer of the Year.  All nominees are honored at our annual Mutts & Martini's Celebration (November 9, 2012).  This year's Honoree will be chosen by our past recipients.  Congratulations to our past Volunteer of the Year Honorees: Rebecca Shauffele, 2009; Tammy Baker, 2010; and Susan Ferarro, 2011.  (Shown: Rebecca, Sue & Tammy). 

To nominate an outstanding TDU volunteer, please download our Nomination Application and return it to our Erie office no later than October 15, 2011.  Mail to: Therapy Dogs United, Inc., 1940 West 8th Street, Erie PA 16505.