Our Programs
Therapy dogs love to interact with people of all sizes and abilities - from children, to adults and seniors. Through Therapy Dogs United, our core programs allow our dogs to really shine! Over the years, medical research and clinical studies show that therapy dogs can not only relieve stress and lower blood pressure, but provide a sense of comfort, confidence, and companionship.
But, did you know that a therapy dog can also help a child to learn? That's why we developed a special program that incorporates a therapy dog into the classroom. Our PAL Program encourages learning for pre-school and elementary school children through use of the arts, music and literature.
Perhaps our most innovative and expansive program - Bella's Brigade can best be described by two words: comfort and trust. We reach beyond traditional forms of therapy by providing a canine friend to young victims of sexual or emotional abuse, or a child suffering the loss of a parent or caregiver. Our therapy dogs lend a trusting ear that the child quickly realizes he or she can tell anything. This crisis outreach program utilizes Occupational or "on site" therapy dogs - and offers special training and certification programs to either the volunteer handler, or the therapist/counselor.
Therapy Dogs United has also brings our ARF Program to homeless shelters and youth homes to help children deal with emotional difficulties. And, finally, Rocco's Rescue Team, our Facility Dog Placement Program, trains a loving therapy dog to become a permanent resident of a qualified group or nursing home. We can also match up an Emotional Support Therapy Dog with an individual suffering from depression, loneliness, or in need of companionship. These therapy dogs are excellent companions for non-disabled residents who live in public or federally supported housing.
To learn more about how any of our programs can benefit you or your organization, feel free to give us a call at (814) 456-DOGS for more information.
Our Mission Statement:
Therapy Dogs United, Inc. reaches beyond traditional forms of rehabilitation and treatment. Fostered by the unique animal-human bond, Therapy Dogs United facilitates rehabilitation and therapeutic healing to improve human health through interactive, animal-assisted therapy.
