OUR PROGRAMS
See our therapy dogs in action across hospitals, schools, and communities.
Programs in Action
Hospitals
A study conducted at a Veterans hospital in Illinois found that burnout rates dropped by more than half for healthcare workers who spent time with therapy dogs, and positive mood states doubled.
Unleashing Healing: Real Life Impact
A Few Precious Moments of Reprieve
At a children’s cancer hospital, a young boy waits quietly with his parents, a mask covering his puffy face. When he sees the therapy dog approaching, his whole face lights up. "Can I pet your dog?" he asks, hope flickering in his voice. "Of course," comes the answer. He reaches out, wrapping his tiny arms around the dog in a long, tender hug. Turning to his parents, still smiling, he says, "I love him. He makes me happy." His parents smile from ear to ear. And for a few precious minutes, no one is thinking about his cancer.
When Healers Need Healing
In the intensive care unit of a large city hospital, a young nurse in her mid-twenties kneels beside the therapy dog. She wraps her arms around his neck and buries her face in his fur, her shoulders shaking as she begins to cry. And cry. And cry. The dog leans in, steady and still as if to say “I’ve got you.” As her sobbing slows, she wipes her tears and says softly, "I lost two patients this week. This is exactly what I needed."
Nursing Homes
Nursing home residents face high rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness… which even a short visit from a therapy dog can alleviate.
Unleashing Healing: Real Life Impact
A Visit That Meant Everything
In a quiet hallway of a nursing home, an elderly man sat alone in a wheelchair. As the therapy dog approached, he reached out with a trembling hand to pet him. "I don’t have any family that comes to visit," he said softly. "This is nice. Would you visit me again sometime? The handler squeezes his hand gently, and says "Absolutely, we will."
In places where isolation lingers, therapy dogs create a bridge back to belonging.
Education
A report* by Transforming Education found that 2 in 3 college students feel daily stress and overwhelming anxiety. To find relief 96% of students said they wanted therapy dog programs available on campus.**
What’s the cost of NOT having a therapy dog program?
A Washington State University study revealed a striking difference: first-year students who spent time with therapy dogs maintained or improved their mental health, while those without access saw their stress, anxiety, and depression worsen significantly. The cost of not having a therapy dog program isn't just missed moments—it's measurable harm.
Unleashing Healing: Real Life Impact
On a busy university campus, students gather quietly around therapy dogs during finals week. You can feel the relief ripple through the crowd as they laugh and smiles break across tired faces. One freshman, overwhelmed with stress, leans toward her friend and whispers, "This is exactly what I needed." For a moment, the pressure fades, replaced by comfort, connection, and the simple healing presence of a dog.
Start a Program
Ready to build a lasting therapy dog program for your group? We can help you design and launch a sustainable program that brings ongoing comfort, connection, and healing to the people you serve.
Request a Visit
Looking to schedule a therapy dog visit for your group? Whether it’s a special event, ongoing visits, or a one-time moment of support, our certified therapy dog teams are ready to bring comfort and connection wherever it’s needed.