Intermountain Therapy Animals

For more than 33 years, Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA) has been transforming lives across Utah through the healing power of the human–animal bond. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we train and support a network of 325 volunteer therapy teams made up of people and their own companion animals, who bring comfort, connection, and evidence-based therapeutic support to individuals of all ages.

Across Utah, ITA teams visit 176 hospitals, clinics, schools, libraries, long-term care centers, mental health facilities, and community programs each year. Their presence brings measurable improvements in pain, anxiety, stress, depression, and overall engagement for the people they serve.

Who We Serve

Our work reaches people across a wide variety of healthcare, therapeutic, and community settings, including:

Hospitals and Medical Facilities
• Burn ICU
• Cancer treatment units
• Rehabilitation therapies
• Patient room visits
• Waiting rooms
• Emergency departments
• Behavioral health units
• Patients recovering from cardiovascular events

Long-Term and Ongoing Care
• Individuals in long-term care or memory facilities
• Veterans managing PTSD
• People with learning or developmental challenges
• Individuals experiencing anxiety or depression

Children and Families
• Children facing medical, surgical, or dental procedures
• Students working to improve reading confidence and skills through R.E.A.D.®

As one hospital partner shared:

“ITA therapy animals reach our kids and their families in ways that no one else can. They support the healing process in so many ways, and are a valuable part of Primary Children’s mission of ‘The Child First and Always.’”
—  Administrative Director, Family Support Services

What We Do

Our volunteer teams are carefully screened, trained, licensed, and insured to participate in animal-assisted interactions (AAI). These interactions range from informal, calming visits to structured, goal-oriented therapeutic support integrated into professional treatment plans.

With more than 300 active teams, ITA is one of the nation’s leading organizations in the field of animal-assisted therapy, and the founder of Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.®), the first and most widely recognized literacy program of its kind. R.E.A.D. teams help children strengthen reading skills, build confidence, and rediscover the joy of learning with the encouragement of a gentle therapy dog.

Why Your Support Matters

Your donation ensures that more patients, students, children, and families across Utah can experience moments of comfort, healing, and hope. Every gift helps us train new volunteer teams, expand our reach, and bring the proven benefits of animal-assisted therapy to more people in our community.

Join us in making every moment of care, comfort, and connection possible.