Therapy Dogs United.
Dogs Supporting People.
A therapy dog certified with Therapy Dogs United provides the catalyst for positive change by motivating individuals with health conditions or impairments. We open dialogue with the abused, disabled, sick, lonely, injured or depressed. Our programs inspire learning and change - and include everyone!
TDU's dedicated team of certified therapy dog handlers is personally committed to bringing joy and inspiration to every human life we touch. It’s not just our personal commitment - it’s our mission.
Therapy Dogs United is a 501(c)(3) not for profit public charity operating solely on funding from corporate and private donations, fundraising events, charitable grants, therapy dog test fees and annual membership dues. We have never charged fees for our services. We do not receive payment for the therapy dog visits our volunteer handlers make.
We offer a variety of free programs including but limited to:
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Companion Dogs: A companion therapy dog is a calm, well-behaved and obedient therapy dog used to help facilitate therapeutic or emotional healing.
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Cole's Canines: Cole's Canines represent a specialized group of certified therapy dogs selected to participate in this visitation program offering support to bereaved parents following the loss of an infant or child.
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Skilled Support Dogs: Highly-trained, skilled support dogs enhance the quality of life for children, adults and older adults with disabilities and/or special needs.
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AAT Dogs: The use of animal-assisted therapy dogs helps physically rehabilitate individuals, or any individual with a behavioral, emotional or cognitive diagnosis.
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At-Risk Families: Our At-Risk Families (ARF Program) bring our skilled therapy dogs to homeless shelters, group homes and mental health facilities to help children better cope during tough emotional times.
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Senior Smiles: Therapy dogs offer a wide range of benefits to older adults, including facilitating therapeutic and/or emotional healing.
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M.D. Program (Medical Dogs): Visitation program to benefit hospitalized patients, including oncology and individuals recuperating during a hospital stay or receiving out-patient care, plus any individual who is in a waiting or emergency room.
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Tutors with a Tail: Literacy and in-school reading program for children of any age and reading ability. This program is offered in schools, libraries and book stores nationwide and Canada.
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Courthouse Comfort Dogs: This program is currently offered in Erie, PA only. Certified therapy dog teams visit children facing a dependency hearing in Erie County Family Court; Veterans facing a hearing in Erie County's Veteran's Treatment Court; or individual attending a hearing at The Erie County Court of Common Pleas.
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Dog Bite Prevention: Our PACKS Program (Prevent Attacks with Care, Kindness and Safety) is an educational program designed to teach and reinforce responsible pet ownership and safety while interacting with dogs and family pets.
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Santa Paws for Seniors: This program provides a holiday gift to an underserved Senior identified by a caregiver, case manager or a senior living community. Our gifts are "paw delivered" by a Therapy Dogs United certified therapy dog nationwide.