Companion Paws Canada (CPC)

Companion Paws is dedicated to supporting Canadians in need while providing a second chance for pets in rescues through The LifeLine Canada’s (T.L.C.)   Companion Paws Therapy Dog Adoption Program and a Certify Your Own Dog Program for ones with their own fully trained and temperament suitable dogs. TLC’s Companion Paws programs are available in all Provinces across Canada.

Once dogs are certified, these pets are able to serve in a variety of meaningful positions including Personal emotional support, Assisted and Visiting Therapy. For assisted and visiting designations, this is a tremendous opportunity to share your dog’s love with someone in need.

Medical studies have confirmed what we all know from experience; spending time with an affectionate pet makes us feel better. In fact, contact with a compassionate animal can significantly improve mental and physical health, as well as reduce stress, depression and anxiety.

Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds. The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament. 

A Companion Paws therapy dog must be:

  • a minimum of 1.5 years old
  • very well trained
  • up to date on all vaccinations
  • spayed/neutered
  • at ease in all situations

The LifeLine Canada offers three Companion Paws Therapy Dog programs as well as visits with certified Therapy Dog teams. Please read through all the material carefully before completing an application form so we can ensure you are matched to the best program for you.

Through our Adoption program, we offer obedience trained dogs. Please review the program you are interested in to find what program is best for you.

  • Personal Therapy Dog Adoption Program
  • Assisted Therapy Dog Adoption Program
  • Certify Your Own Therapy Dog Program

Certify Your Own Dog as a Companion Paws Therapy Dog is also available as part of the Companion Paws program for Personal therapy, Assisted therapy and Visiting therapy. If you have your own very well trained dog and are looking for him or her to become a Companion Paws dog for Personal, Assisted or Visiting therapy, please thoroughly go through the program process prior to registering for a 1 st Temperament Assessment to confirm suitability.

All of our Certified Companion Paws Therapy dogs are tested with the toughest guidelines of their kind in Canada. Certified Teams are required to renew and re-evaluate annually to keep Companion Paws Certification. Adhering to these guidelines requires dedication and dedicated, authentic training.

Through our Companion Paws program process, we assess and test 3 types of Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs;

Personal Therapy Dog (first program of its kind in Canada): A certified personal therapy dog (Companion Paws emotional support dog) is a trained, temperament tested, evaluated and certified dog that brings positive mental health benefits to their owners/handlers. Often a Therapy Dog is beneficial to those that struggle with mental health conditions.

Assisted Therapy Dog Assisted Therapy Dogs join their handler/owner (typically educators, teachers, psychologists, counsellors and doctors) at their workplace to help their students, clients, customers and/or patients.

Visiting Therapy Dog Typically, Visiting Therapy Dogs visit events, shelters, hospitals, schools, hospices, nursing homes and more. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with a variety of people while they are on-duty. Everyone at Companion Paws is a dog lover. We take great care to only qualify dogs who enjoy interacting with complete strangers. Where someone needs unconditional love and unwavering support, these very special furry friends step up and provide it in spades. To request a visit from one or more of our Certified Visiting Therapy Dog Teams, please click here for Visiting Therapy Dog Request for details and request form.

Before you jump in and find your perfect companion, please take note that Companion Paws Therapy dogs are designated companion dogs and will not be certified as service dogs. Therapy dogs are companion dogs trained to provide affection, comfort and company and are not afforded the same legal privileges as service dogs. For the differences, see here .

To ensure you are matched to the best program for you, please thoroughly read through all the materials, program process, costs, requirements, next steps and FAQs, carefully, before completing an application form or registering for a 1 st temperament assessment.

Please note that Companion Paws does not perform testing in the months of December, January, July and August. Some locations additionally may not perform testing in February and September.

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Corporate Events    Conferences    Schools    Health Care  University  College   Film Commercial   Seniors   Private Home Visits Exposure Therapy

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Corporate Canine Therapy is a company dedicated to providing therapeutic services with trained, vetted, Owner-owned Therapy Dogs to workplace and private environments.  

Our mission is to improve  well-being and  reduce stress by bringing the benefits of human-canine interaction to people.

We offer tailored programs, and on-site  visits  to create a more positive  environment.  Therapy Dogs in office settings can facilitate teamwork, improve employee productivity, encourage communication, and elevate employee morale. 

Our Teams of certified Therapy Dogs and experienced Handlers are committed to enhancing the mental and  emotional   health  of your employees while fostering a more compassionate, productive workplace. 

Corporate Canine Therapy is a fully insured company. 

Corporate Canine Therapy

therapy dog visits toronto

Experience Paw-sitive Wellness

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therapy dog visits toronto

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Therapy Dog Program

The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program reaches out to thousands of people across Canada on a daily basis bringing comfort, joy and companionship to members of the community who are sick, lonely, reside in long-term care and mental health facilities; are in hospitals, schools and library settings. Program participants reap the therapeutic benefits of the unconditional companionship of a four-legged friend.

Read below for more information on this popular program and to apply.

St. John Ambulance’s Therapy Dog Program takes a volunteer and their dog into hospitals, seniors' residences, or nursing homes on a weekly basis. Through petting, affection, and regular visitation, many people benefit both physically and emotionally from the unconditional love of a dog, while also providing the volunteer with a unique and rewarding volunteer experience.

The program continues to grow, boasting more than 3,500 volunteer dog teams providing over 275,000 hours of their time. The friendly attention and acceptance of these four-legged volunteers are always greatly appreciated.

Therapy dog services are provided in a wide range of community settings such as:  

  • Seniors residences and care facilities
  • Schools, universities, and colleges
  • Community centres and libraries  

The Therapy Dog program provides opportunities for individuals to:  

  • Talk with the volunteer and the dog
  • Feel, touch, pet, and cuddle the dog
  • Receive unconditional love from the dog
  • Carry-out or practice an activity in the presence of the dog  

therapy dog visits toronto

To be considered for the Therapy Dog program, volunteer handlers (the dog owner) must:   

  • Be 18 years of age or older (youth between the ages of 16-18 may join the program but must be supervised by an adult therapy dog handler while volunteering); 
  • be able and willing to commit to the program and a placement facility for at least one year, for once-a-week visits; 
  • be willing to participate in an over-the-phone informal interview with a Unit Facilitator; 
  • submit to a criminal records check; 
  • attend an orientation session, followed by an evaluation of your dog and your dog-handling abilities (see dog requirements below).   

To be considered for the program, dogs must:   

  • be at least 1 year old (preferably 2 years/age of social maturity for most breeds); 
  • Have lived in a permanent home for at least six months; 
  • be on a regular regimen of veterinary vaccinations for rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and adenovirus. It is also recommended that dogs be vaccinated for leptospirosis. These may take place on a yearly or three-year basis. Currently, titer testing is not accepted in lieu of vaccinations; 
  • receive annual veterinarian checks; 
  • not be fed a raw-meat diet; 
  • respond to basic commands (sit, stay, lie down, heel at the handler's side on a loose lead); 
  • not mouth people's arms or hands; 
  • not jump on people; 
  • not growl at other dogs or relieve themselves indoors (even submissive peeing). 

Please note that St. John Ambulance does not train or provide therapy dogs. We evaluate you and your dog to act as a therapy dog team. We will evaluate your dog’s abilities and behaviours. The training we recommend for this role is basic obedience training and good socialization. Many pet stores and other places offer such training. There isn't a specific program or course we endorse. 

EVALUATIONS  

During the Therapy Dog Program evaluation, handlers and their dogs will be subjected to a number of situations, stressors, and challenges as part of a mock visit to a healthcare facility. This will test their temperament, sociability, and ability to follow the handler’s lead. Dogs will also be assessed for cleanliness and good grooming.  

Some indicators of a suitable St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Team include:    

  • Responses that are not fearful or aggressive 
  • Friendliness towards other dogs and strangers 
  • Safe and easy handler control   

A good therapy dog will beg for attention, using a quiet mannerly disposition. The dog cannot show rejection, nor be too boisterous or assertive in its behaviour. The dog must always be on leash and under control of the handler. 

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page!

Ready to apply? CLICK HERE

Therapy Dog with white bandana on a chair

St. John Ambulance Canada is one of Canada’s oldest charitable organizations. In most cases, we do not receive any federal government funding...

The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program reaches out to thousands of people across Canada on a daily basis bringing comfort, joy and companionship...

St. John Ambulance has played an integral role in the fabric of Canada communities since 1883. While our core services revolve around first aid...

therapy dog visits toronto

Animal and Pet Therapy

  • Organizations/Services 16 results
  • Info Sheets 1 result

Animal-assisted and pet therapy are types of therapy that use animals trained to provide affection and comfort to people in a variety of places including hospitals, retirement or nursing homes, mental health facilities and schools.

Publicly Funded / Free Services

Private practice professionals and commercial businesses, record details.

therapy dog visits toronto

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Our Story

Therapeutic Paws of Canada™ is a registered charity offering free therapy pet visitations. Currently over 500 volunteers across Canada donate more than 100,000 hours of time annually to the various programs offered.

It began with Judy Sauvé in Hawkesbury, Ontario with only six volunteers.  Launched on August 30 th , 2002 , Therapeutic Paws of Canada™ (TPOC) is a volunteer-based organization that provides therapy dog/cat visitation programs for senior’s, children, and youth.

In 2003 TPOC was granted charitable status ( Registered Charity #86535 9350 RR0001 ) which permits the organization to issue tax receipts for donations.  100% of each donation is used to fund the expansion of the various programs in communities across Canada.  We are thankful for our long-standing supporters, volunteers and donors that allow us to have a huge presence in our communities.

The facility staff tell us that therapy pets impact the daily lives of many by helping to reduce stress, improve communication for those who struggle, lower blood pressure, and improve an individual’s emotional state.

The organization is stewarded by an elected Board of Directors that oversee the day-to-day business and they are assisted by several Coordinators and Team Leaders in each community.  A team of qualified Evaluators ensures the temperament and suitability of the dogs and cats in the programs.  Therapeutic Paws of Canada™ is built on teamwork, cooperation, collaboration, and inspiration from our members and community partners.

Our call to action of “ Paws With Love To Share ” enhances the quality of life and health through the animal/human bond.

Members are included in TPOC’s insurance and must submit to a vulnerable sector police records check (VSPRC), reference check and multiple monitored visits prior to visiting on behalf of Therapeutic Paws of Canada.

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Who’s a good boy? How your dog can become a therapy animal in Ontario

Therapy dogs visit seniors’ residences, schools, community centres, and libraries — and demand is growing. Is your canine qualified for the job?

therapy dog visits toronto

Written by Josh Sherman

Oct 19, 2018

a woman and her dog

Karin McLean’s standard poodle, Henry, is one of more than 3,500 therapy dogs employed nationwide by St. John Ambulance. (Courtesy of Karin McLean)

It had been two months since a man with a brain injury was admitted to Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, a hospital in Toronto’s east end, and Karin McLean hadn’t heard him so much as utter a word.

“He’d never spoken since the day he was admitted to the hospital,” she recalls.

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But that all changed one day with the help of Henry, McLean’s standard poodle. “One day he just said, ‘Henry,’ when he saw us,” she says. “It gives you chills.”

Henry is one of more than 3,500 therapy dogs employed nationwide by St. John Ambulance to provide comfort to people in hospitals, seniors’ residences, schools, community centres, and libraries — and those who work with the canines say they’re seeing increased demand for the services they provide.

“People have become more aware of the [therapy-dog] programs, and many are motivated to volunteer when they see how inspirational it can be,” McLean explains.

What it takes to have a dog certified as a therapy animal varies from organization to organization: there isn’t provincial legislation regulating them. Getting Henry certified through St. John Ambulance required a police check, an interview, and orientation. “You do all that even before your dog goes to the evaluation,” she says.

The evaluation itself takes a few hours and subjects the dogs to a variety of situations and circumstances they are likely to encounter on the job. Shiny floors disturb some dogs, for example, while others might not cope well with wheelchairs (they’ll be exposed to both). Testing can differ depending on whether a dog will be working with children, adults, or both, as therapy-dog owner Rodney Kaufman discovered. When he first decided to have Harlow, his Great Dane, tested for work with adults for St. John Ambulance, he says the process focused on basic obedience. Later, Harlow was tested again for work with children. “It was a little bit more extensive; they brought in kids,” Kaufman says.

Evaluators for Therapeutic Paws of Canada, a non-profit that provides services similar to those of St. John Ambulance, sees how dogs respond to a number of situations, including milling crowds and petting from strangers. “Any indication of aggression such as growling, lifting of the lip, jumping to a stand or spinning to follow the Evaluator is a failure,” reads the evaluation form .

There are some traits that make for a good therapy animal in general. “They have to have an affinity for people,” says McLean. “They have to be quite calm.”

If a dog does make the grade, it’s been McLean’s experience that it will typically be able to work only hour-long shifts. “It takes a lot out of them,” she says. The experience has nonetheless been rewarding for McLean, who, along with Henry, volunteers mainly at palliative-care facilities and with patients suffering from brain injuries. “It just gives a moment of levity and normalcy to what they’re going through,” she says, noting that family members visiting loved ones also benefit from the St. John program.

Like McLean, Kaufman has seen firsthand that interest in therapy dogs is on the rise. “It seems to be everywhere you look right now,” he says.

As a volunteer of four years with St. John, he kept hearing the same requests from people he encountered through the program. They’d ask if he could bring Harlow, his Great Dane, to their office, or their grandmother’s home, or even their own place. That got him thinking, and after laying the groundwork for eight months, the entrepreneur launched Corporate Canine Therapy last month to offer therapy-dog services in Toronto workplaces.

“People are now looking outside the box — especially HR departments in corporate offices — to see how to get better productivity without the old ways of doing so, which is town-hall meetings and inspiring speakers and that kind of stuff,” he says. 

When a dog shows up at an office, it brings employees together — it can even reenergize a group after a dull meeting, Kaufman suggests. “They share a common bond,” he adds.

While business has quickly taken off — Kaufman has already had to hire more handlers than expected — additional public education would help, he says. One way to achieve this would be government regulations mandating how therapy animals are certified. “At any point where we have to educate the public, it’s a bit more of a difficult sale,” says Kaufman.

Josh Sherman is a Toronto-based reporter.

Josh Sherman

Josh Sherman is a Toronto-based freelance journalist.

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Phone: (647) 350-6246

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Toronto Beaches Dog Walk

In support of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program

Doctor Jones and his Irish Wolfhound, Fergus, have been a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Team for nearly three years. Before the COVID pandemic they visited patients in palliative care and mental health wards at two local hospitals weekly. November 2020 Fergus was awarded his Child Friendly status enabling them to visit pediatric wards and children hospitals. Doctor Jones has described Fergus as being perfect for this job. Many patients do not have the ability to pet a dog but Fergus' height allows him to rest his head on their hands providing much appreciated comfort. He really is a gentle giant. He's hopeful that in time his puppy Ronan will also be able to join the program. Dr. Jones is also a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Evaluator In Training, calling on his background in veterinary medicine and many years of treating dogs of various temperaments.  On November 9th, 2020, Dr. Jones, Fergus, and Ronan did the first annual Beaches Dog Walk for the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program to raise funds. Since COVID hit, the program has been put on hold, impacting the patient care the Teams provided. Corporate visits, a significant income stream for the Therapy Dog Program,  have also stopped, leaving the Therapy Dog Program without an income stream. Please click on the link to read more about the program, and consider joining us in 2021 for the walk!

Think COVID-19 can stop this Toronto therapy dog? Think again

The pandemic has put in-person care on hold, but some volunteers have pivoted to virtual visits.

therapy dog visits toronto

Social Sharing

A global pandemic is not enough to keep Coogee the Australian labradoodle away from the seniors she loves to visit. 

But the therapy dog has been relegated to snuffling at an iPad, while they blow kisses.

Coogee, and her owner Maureen Harvey, have been visiting the residents of Sunnybrook hospital's Veterans Centre since last summer. At this point, she says some on L-Wing, where the average age is 97, think Coogee is their own dog. 

"A dog brings joy to everybody," Harvey told CBC Toronto. 

"No one pets a dog and is angry after."

WATCH: Coogee the therapy dog visits patients at Sunnybrook's long-term care home

therapy dog visits toronto

Toronto therapy dog visits veterans virtually during pandemic

Before, Coogee would parade through the ward, happily being pet. Sometimes, she'd gently rest her head on some of the frailest residents. 

COVID-19 stopped those visits this March. That's when Dr. David Williams, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, issued a directive shutting down all outside access, including for therapy animals, as part of an effort to stop the novel coronavirus from getting into long-term care homes, where it can have devastating effects. 

At the beginning of June, nearly 80 per cent of Canada's COVID-19-linked deaths had been in long-term care homes. 

Harvey and Sunnybrook's Jennifer Ashby could see the shutdown coming, but it still hurt.

therapy dog visits toronto

Quickly, Ashby, a recreation therapist, found an iPad and within weeks the two women were holding virtual visits with Coogee to provide a ray of sunshine for the residents (thankfully, there have been no COVID-19 cases at the facility). 

Days made, and other benefits

While many at Sunnybrook struggle with dementia or memory loss, the joy of a Coogee visit is obvious.

My favourite moments are when a veteran's having a bad day, and they see the dog, their face lights up. - Jennifer Ashby, Sunnybrook hospital

"It certainly is great to have a dog in the building," one woman named Georgie says. Two men wave to Coogee, as Harvey waves the pup's furry paw on the screen.

"You've made our day," Harvey tells one woman.

"And mine," the woman responds, with an ear-to-ear smile.

Ashby says Coogee's weekly visits give residents a few key things: a dose of "unconditional love," a sense of normalcy in a time when she's often approaching them wearing a full face shield, and perhaps best of all, a chance to practice their social skills.

Ashby says she's seen low-stakes visits with Coogee lead to better virtual interactions with family members the next day. 

"My favourite moments are when a veteran's having a bad day, and they see the dog, their face lights up… sorry," Ashby says, brushing a tear away before it can reach the top of her face mask.

"You know you've made a moment, you've changed their day. You've made them happy when they weren't happy."

Canadian experts have backed up the idea that having access to a pet can be incredibly beneficial for people's mental health, something that's being taxed by COVID-19.

Most therapy dogs staying home

In recent years, therapy dogs have become a more common sight in Toronto.

St. John Ambulance has about 275 active dogs and handlers who normally volunteer everywhere from hospitals to retirement homes to classrooms to corporate offices (the last one is how the organization raises money.) 

They've also been there on some of Toronto's worst days: including those following the Yonge Street van attack and the Danforth Avenue mass shooting.

therapy dog visits toronto

Now, due to COVID-19, almost none of those therapy dogs are working. 

Just a handful have pivoted to video calls, said Christine Paradis, a Toronto-based branch advisor with St. John Ambulance and a volunteer herself.

"Oh, it's horrible. It's been really hard," she said. 

It's not that hospitals and long-term care homes don't want video visits, it's that they lack the staffing to do the calls. In the absence of visits, volunteers have been sending videos of their dogs, or even printing posters. 

Finally, at the end of May, Paradis found a group of young caregivers who were up for an online meeting with her therapy spaniel-mix, Dexter. It's not the same, she admits, as touch is such a huge part of therapy animal visits, but it seemed to delight everyone involved.

"Dexter loves to Zoom," she said. 

It could be the bowl of treats next to the monitor. 

Dogs learning new tricks, too

Oddly enough, the therapy dogs might be struggling the most with the switch to screen-based visits. 

Paradis says Dexter pulls on his leash anytime they walk toward SickKids hospital, one of the places where they volunteer. 

Harvey says Coogee's floppy ears perk up when she hears her name, but it's clear she'd prefer wandering up to people at Sunnybrook, whether it be patients, medical staff, or families going through a tough time.

Without that stimulus, she's happy just to lay down.

That forces Harvey to help with the paw-waving, but she says she doesn't mind if it's cheering up someone on the other side of the call.

"Whatever it takes," she says.

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  • Anna-Belle the therapy bulldog is ready to help with your COVID-19 anxiety

therapy dog visits toronto

Puppy love: The benefits of Pet Therapy in rehab

the therapy dog enjoys a belly rub from an inpatient

Every Thursday is 'Snickers Day' on the Geriatric Inpatient Unit at Toronto Rehab's University Centre.

Snickers, a grey Schnoodle who volunteers as a therapy dog, loves nothing more than to visit patients with her handler, Kathy McPherson. Through the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, the duo volunteers an hour a week – every Thursday – at Toronto Rehab.

"People's faces absolutely light up when they see Snickers," Kathy says. "It's so rewarding to see how we're helping brighten people's days."

Related to this story:

  • Boosting spirits: Therapy Dogs at Toronto Rehab featured on CTV’s Canada AM
  • Pet Therapy to expand at UHN

Pet Therapy at Toronto Rehab

D​ogs and their owners who wish to become therapy dog volunteers are vetted through the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. Though the dogs aren't specially trained to be therapy dogs, they are selected for their natural calmness and friendliness, says Kathy McPherson, who's volunteered with her dog, Snickers for about three years.

The selected dogs and owners are taken through a series of steps to ensure they will do well in healthcare situations. At UHN, the handlers must go through UHN Volunteer Resources' processes as well to qualify as official UHN volunteers before they can visit any units.​

Visit their website for more information about the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program .

Snickers is just one of the visiting therapy dogs that comes to Toronto Rehab and the University Health Network as a whole, says Tracey Dion, Recreation Therapist for Geriatric Rehab at TR. Through the visiting pups, patients can find emotional support, pain relief and assistance with their physical rehabilitation.

"Therapeutic Recreation has always included Pet Therapy into their program offerings to different patients in all kinds of settings - whether it's in rehab, long-term care, or mental health," she explains. Right now at Toronto Rehab the program is offered at UC, Bickle Centre and the Lyndhurst Centre.

"Often, the pet is a trigger for a conversation," Tracey says. As the patient pats the dog, they relax and are able to talk about how they're doing, or reflect on memories of their past pets that they're eager to share.

"I love bringing joy to people and actually being able to talk to them about their home life and their pets," says Joanne Somers, a volunteer with St. John Ambulance who visits mental health patients with her dog Lucy. "My number one question is, 'Did you have any pets growing up?' Then they start really thinking about their pets and we can talk about it."

David Campbell, a patient at Toronto Rehab, gives Harlow the therapy dog a head scratch

For patients, it's a great visit, says David Campbell, a geriatric inpatient at Toronto Rehab. At 74, he's had four dogs of his own and has enjoyed visiting with the therapy dogs at Toronto Rehab.

"Dogs are a good pal for everyone – they seem to know you and understand you. Like if you're limping, a dog knows to slow down and compensate for you," he says. "They're good friends."

A bridge between different disciplines

Therapy dogs like Snickers, Lucy and Harlow provide more than just emotional comfort, Tracey explains. They can also provide non-pharmacological pain relief for patients, and a way to bridge multiple therapies at Toronto Rehab.

"Through Pet Therapy in therapeutic recreation, patients are able to work on goals in their other disciplines like Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy," Tracey says.

For instance, if she knows a patient on the unit has had a stroke and is experiencing weakness on one side, Tracey will ask the patient to pat Snickers with that arm in order to practice movement. Or, if a patient is working with Speech Therapy, she'll ask them to practice their speech exercises by talking to the dog.

"I listen in rounds to see what the other disciplines are working on with our patients and then formulate my plan on who the dogs will visit based on that," Tracey explains. "In my mind I know the goals that the patient is working on so I'm keeping track of that ahead of time to see how the Pet Therapy sessions could support those goals."

Therapy dogs

If a patient's goal is to walk their dog again upon being discharged, Tracey will work with the team and the therapy dog and handler duo to practice dog walking with a walker. This way, they can come up with strategies for the patient to walk their dog safely after rehabilitation.

"It really helps tie things together," Tracey says.

A 'Pied Piper' on the unit

The benefit from a puppy rendezvous extends beyond the patient population. The staff on the unit and the dog's handler also report an emotional boost from the visits.

"It's this Pied Piper effect where the dog comes down the hall and people come out of their offices and everyone comes for a belly rub of the dog," Tracey says. Then the staff members take that enthusiasm to their patient visits and it has a ripple effect.

"They talk to their patients about the therapy dogs and it's a way to connect on something that's not just about your blood pressure or your medication," she explains.

Though each handler gets to go home with their furry friend, visiting others who gain so much from a Pet Therapy session is also rewarding.

"It's absolutely therapeutic for me," says Rodney Kaufman, a volunteer with the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program who visits SickKids with his Great Dane, Harlow. "I believe that you have to give back because we get so much in this life so it's very cathartic for me as well."​

Pet Therapy at Toronto Rehab was featured on CTV’s Canada AM

Ultimately, when you are able to truly reach someone despite any hardship they've survived, you know you've succeeded, Tracey explains.

"There are the patients that don't interact at all in Therapeutic Recreation activities – then we come in with the dog and sometimes nothing is said at all but it's a look, it's a smile, it's a tear - it's just something that you know that the dog has reached a spot that maybe we can't," Tracey says.

"You see that after everything that they've been through, they have a moment of pure happiness.

"That's why we do this."

February is Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month. Find out more about Therapeutic Recreation at UHN .​​

On the Danforth

Therapy Dogs of Toronto

Dogs are a popular pet. They’re loving and loyal, so it comes as no surprise that they’re considered a man’s best friend. But can dogs also be good for your health? Read all about therapy dogs and the benefits they bring below.

How can therapy dogs help?

According to PawsForPeople.org, they can. There have been studies that show that pet therapy can help with physical and mental health as well as with physical therapy and reading. The physical health benefits include lowered blood pressure, improved cardiovascular health, and the release of endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect. In terms of mental health benefits, therapy pets lift spirits and lessen depression, decrease feelings of isolation, encourage communication, provide comfort, lower anxiety, and increase socialization. Therapy pets help children overcome speech and emotional disorders and, in terms of reading, they can help children to focus, provide a non-stressful, non-judgmental environment, and increase self-confidence, reducing self-consciousness. MayoClinic.org also discusses the benefits of therapy pets, noting that animal-assisted therapy can reduce pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in various patients with various health issues. For example,  children having dental procedures, cancer treatment patients, those in long-term care facilities, and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder can all find the benefits of therapy pets. Many post-secondary institutions think that therapy dogs are helpful for mental health, with Dog De-Stress days being offered close to exam periods.

What is Therapeutic Paws of Canada?

Therapeutic Paws of Canada is a not-for-profit organization that runs a variety of programs with therapy dogs and cats. They have senior programs, child programs, and a Paws Room program. The latter provides therapy dog visits to universities and colleges during exam periods. These programs are also typically provided at hospitals, seniors residences, nursing homes, schools and libraries. Therapeutic Paws of Canada is not a training program; they work with volunteers and their family pets to provide visits.

Therapeutic Paws of Canada provides their programs at no cost, but they are not available for home visits. They have communities across Canada, each with their own team leader, providing therapy pet visits all around the country. Toronto has eight different team leaders, each providing services in a different part of Toronto. Danforth falls under the East York/Beaches area.

What should you do if you want your dog to become a therapy dog?

Therapeutic Paws of Canada evaluates and certifies your family pet before they are approved to go on therapy visits. There’s no special training needed for your pet to be eligible, but they do need to show that they have a good temperament,  confidence, good manners, and sociability with other pets and people. More information about volunteering with Therapeutic Paws of Canada can be found on their website .

Photo courtesy of llipkind via pixabay.com

Monika is the Marketing Director/Social Media for On the Danforth, summer issue. When she isn’t buried in a book, she spends most her time checking out various events in Toronto and turning her life into article pitches. You can check out her twitter here . 

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I’m Mathilde, I’m 30, I’m french and I live in Toronto since only three months. I’m actually looking for a training to work in the field of the dogs therapy. I always grew up with dogs and I have two dogs, they are still in France with my family. Could I have some more informations about this field? Thank you so much!

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SOOSAN MALEK

I would like to inquire about therapy dogs. I have anxiety and I would like to go to a place to be with therapy dogs for a few hours a week. Do you have anything like this available for the public? Thank you very much Soosan Malek

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Therapy Dogs Inc TDA

Toronto Therapy Dog

June 15, 2020

therapy dog visits toronto

A global pandemic is not enough to keep Coogee the Australian labradoodle away from the seniors she loves to visit.

But the therapy dog has been relegated to snuffling at an iPad, while they blow kisses.

Coogee, and her owner Maureen Harvey, have been visiting the residents of Sunnybrook hospital’s Veterans Centre since last summer. At this point, she says some on L-Wing, where the average age is 97, think Coogee is their own dog.

“A dog brings joy to everybody,” Harvey told CBC Toronto.

“No one pets a dog and is angry after.”

Before, Coogee would parade through the ward, happily being pet. Sometimes, she’d gently rest her head on some of the frailest residents.

COVID-19 stopped those visits this March. That’s when Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, issued a directive shutting down all outside access, including for therapy animals, as part of an effort to stop the novel coronavirus from getting into long-term care homes, where it can have devastating effects.

At the beginning of June, nearly 80 per cent of Canada’s COVID-19-linked deaths had been in long-term care homes.

Harvey and Sunnybrook’s Jennifer Ashby could see the shutdown coming, but it still hurt. Quickly, Ashby, a recreation therapist, found an iPad and within weeks the two women were holding virtual visits with Coogee to provide a ray of sunshine for the residents (thankfully, there have been no COVID-19 cases at the facility).

“It certainly is great to have a dog in the building,” one woman named Georgie says. Two men wave to Coogee, as Harvey waves the pup’s furry paw on the screen.

“You’ve made our day,” Harvey tells one woman.

“And mine,” the woman responds, with an ear-to-ear smile.

Ashby says Coogee’s weekly visits give residents a few key things: a dose of “unconditional love,” a sense of normalcy in a time when she’s often approaching them wearing a full face shield, and perhaps best of all, a chance to practice their social skills.

Ashby says she’s seen low-stakes visits with Coogee lead to better virtual interactions with family members the next day.

“My favourite moments are when a veteran’s having a bad day, and they see the dog, their face lights up… sorry,” Ashby says, brushing a tear away before it can reach the top of her face mask.

“You know you’ve made a moment, you’ve changed their day. You’ve made them happy when they weren’t happy.”

Canadian experts have backed up the idea that having access to a pet can be incredibly beneficial for people’s mental health, something that’s being taxed by COVID-19.

In recent years, therapy dogs have become a more common sight in Toronto.

St. John Ambulance has about 275 active dogs and handlers who normally volunteer everywhere from hospitals to retirement homes to classrooms to corporate offices (the last one is how the organization raises money.)

They’ve also been there on some of Toronto’s worst days: including those following the Yonge Street van attack and the Danforth Avenue mass shooting.

Now, due to COVID-19, almost none of those therapy dogs are working.

Just a handful have pivoted to video calls, said Christine Paradis, a Toronto-based branch advisor with St. John Ambulance and a volunteer herself.

“Oh, it’s horrible. It’s been really hard,” she said.

It’s not that hospitals and long-term care homes don’t want video visits, it’s that they lack the staffing to do the calls. In the absence of visits, volunteers have been sending videos of their dogs, or even printing posters.

Finally, at the end of May, Paradis found a group of young caregivers who were up for an online meeting with her therapy spaniel-mix, Dexter. It’s not the same, she admits, as touch is such a huge part of therapy animal visits, but it seemed to delight everyone involved.

“Dexter loves to Zoom,” she said.

It could be the bowl of treats next to the monitor.

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therapy dog visits toronto

therapy dog visits toronto

Therapy Dogs

therapy dog visits toronto

The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program brings comfort and companionship to the people in our community who appreciate the unconditional love of a dog. Seniors, sick children, palliative care patients and the physically or mentally challenged have all enjoyed regular visits by our Therapy Dogs and their handlers.

The Peel Branch Therapy dog teams have over 100 members and dogs who visit 52 facilities in the areas we serve contributing over 9000 volunteer hours annually. We have three Therapy Dog Divisions: Mississauga, Brampton and Dufferin County.

Anyone who has a well mannered, clean dog over the age of 1 with a wonderful temperament can join the program once the dog has been assessed with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Evaluation. St. John volunteers make a commitment to visit the same people with the same dog on a regular weekly basis. You should be prepared to commit at least 5 hours a month to visiting.

Becoming a Therapy Dog Volunteer

To be eligible to participate in our program, all those interested in becoming volunteers must apply for membership in St. John Ambulance. An application form will be sent to you along with an evaluation package with information on the evaluation process. Basic obedience is essential but the emphasis is on your dog’s temperament. St. John Ambulance is dedicated to ensuring the protection of the sick and elderly that we visit. Our certified Evaluators have extensive experience with dogs and are specifically trained to recognize unsatisfactory traits in temperament that usually are not noticeable to the average dog owner. Our evaluations are simply a screening process based on real life situations that visiting dogs would encounter. Evaluation sessions are currently held three (3) or four (4) times yearly.

On successful completion of the evaluation, your first visit (without your dog) will be with another volunteer and their dog. The next three (3) visits will be with the volunteer and your dog. This is to ensure that you and your dog are comfortable with the program. The visitations are designed to match volunteer’s and their dog’s individual needs and preferences.

After the completion of these four (4) visits, you are given your white golf shirt with the Therapy Dog logo and your dog receives a tag with the same logo. As a member of St. John Ambulance you will receive recognition and awards for different levels of your volunteer time and visits.

How do I join?

For more information please call us at the Mississauga Branch at: 905-568-1905 or contact our Community Services Coordinator for an application. Once you qualify for the program you will become a member of St.John Ambulance you will receive a uniform and so will your dog.

Therapy Dog Opportunity

Paws 4 Stories

Our latest program for Therapy Dogs creates a fun environment for beginning and struggling readers to get more comfortable with this skill. The program is especially beneficial to young people who are reluctant to read aloud, as it offers them practice by reading to an attentive, appreciative pair of canine ears.

Featured Volunteer

therapy dog visits toronto

Therapy Dog Sponsorship

Help support our Therapy Dog teams in the community with corporate sponsorship CLICK HERE to find out more about sponsorship

We would like to thank all our sponsors and everyone who has made donations for our amazing Therapy Dog teams

Quick Links

Find class schedules and registration links below. If you prefer to register by phone, or have questions please call us. Client Service Hours Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Phone: 905-568-1905 Email:  [email protected]

Courses and Schedules

Find a first aid class, indivisual online registration, company registration, set up private training, request online account access, online education center, online health and safety center, online training login, first aid kits and supplies, shop online, forms and resources, privacy policy, first aid services request, presentation request, volunteer information session registration, home caregiver support program, residental fire hazards, spinal injury, how to use an aed, hypothermia, winter driving, car seat safety, school bus safety, grants and sponsors, contact informations.

St. John Ambulance Peel Dufferin Branch 1081 Meyerside Drive, # 6 Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1M4 (905) 568-1905

Copyright © 2022 – St. John Ambulance Peel Dufferin Branch – All Rights Reserved. Use subject to the terms of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.

Therapy Dogs

therapy dog visits toronto

As part of the Toronto Pearson Welcome Team Volunteer Program —a group of over 100 volunteers who help passengers in our terminals every day—you’ll find the SJA Therapy dogs and their handlers walking through Terminals 1 and 3 on a flexible, weekly rotation. Feel free to approach the dogs and pet them while you’re here!

Daisey, Toronto Pearson therapy dog

Ringo Starr

Ghost, Toronto Pearson therapy dog

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Therapy Dogs for Visits to Facilities

Therapy dog visits for facilities, sharing our 4-legged friends to spread smiles & joy.

Researchers and experts agree that pets excel as therapeutic agents and that dogs are an antidote to depression. Studies have shown a decrease in both blood pressure and stress levels during therapy dog visits. A visit from one of our therapy dog teams can break the daily routine, increase overall emotional well-being, and stimulate the mind in dramatic ways. Our certified therapy dogs offer so many wonderful benefits to people of all ages such as:

  • Bringing joy and laughter, even if for a short time
  • Taking a person’s mind off of personal problems, aches, pains and worries
  • Getting people to share their emotions and stories
  • Giving a chance for people to communicate with others
  • Lowering stress levels and blood pressure
  • Rekindling warm memories of their pets

If your facility would like to start a therapy dog program, Alliance of Therapy Dogs is at your service. Best of all, there is no cost to your facility.

Teachers / Schools

If you are interested in starting a therapy dog program, please check out our tutorial.

Alliance of Therapy Dogs - Sharing Smiles & Joy

Why Alliance of Therapy Dogs is Your Best Choice

Extensive testing.

Our certified therapy dogs undergo extensive testing to make sure that they have good manners and react positively to being touched by strangers. After passing the test, ATD requires that the dog and the handler complete three successful supervised visits in a facility, school, or other public venue where they must successfully interact with strangers in therapy-like settings. Two of these visits are in a medically related facility.

Clean, Groomed & Healthy

Our therapy dogs are cleaned and groomed before visits, up-to-date on rabies vaccines and other inoculations recommended by their personal veterinarians, and show proof of a negative fecal exam every 12 months.

Covered by Our Insurance

ATD provides insurance for its volunteer teams in the unlikely event someone is injured as a result of interacting with the therapy dog.

Download Insurance Letter

Contact atd today.

Contact ATD to arrange for certified therapy dog teams to visit your facility.

Testimonials from Facilities

Alliance of Therapy Dogs is the registration organization of choice for us here at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. This choice is primarily driven by the fact that the quality of testing is critical in the acute care hospital setting. The test is administered in the environment where the dog will serve so there is an accurate assessment of the animal’s behavior based on the noises, sounds, smells and other factors. Alliance of Therapy Dogs also has the best insurance of all the registration organizations. The combination of these two factors makes ATD the obvious choice for our facility.
The Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) therapy dog program at Los Angeles World Airports (LAX) has partnered with Alliance of Therapy dogs since our inception April 15, 2013. They are a wonderful group to work with for many reasons. They are always available by phone or email to answer any questions. We have assisted 54 other airports nationwide to help start similar programs and ATD is the organization we refer airports to partner with. We love the magazine that they produce to see what other teams are doing in the therapy dog world. We appreciate you ATD!!!

A Dalmatian dog with a girl reading book, like the dog who offered support to students in the U.K. by visiting school.

Dalmatian Visits UK School To Help Students With Stress

By Sakcham Tiwari

Amidst the hustle and bustle of exam season, a special visitor brought comfort and joy to students at Swanwick Hall School in Derbyshire, United Kingdom. An award-winning Dalmatian dog accompanied his owner, a 17-year-old A-level student, to the school to support the students. This Dalmatian visiting school provided a much-needed break for the teens from the pressures of studying. 

Award-winning Dalmatian Hero visits school to calm stressed-out students

Three-year-old Hero, an award-winning Dalmatian, recently visited Swanwick Hall School in Derbyshire, BBC reported. He became a literal “hero” for stressed-out Year 12 and 13 students as he offered them support before their A-level exams. His 17-year-old owner, an A-level student Tilly, accompanied him. Tilly and Hero spent time in the classroom, aiming to help classmates relax amidst exam pressures. 

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Notably, Hero and Tilly showcased their talents at Crufts 2024 , competing in the Post Graduate Dog category. They clinched the top spot in the category, outperforming 23 other Dalmatian dogs to secure the first prize. 

Tilly described Hero, saying, “He’s so in tune with everyone’s emotions. He just knows … how you’re feeling. If you’re sad, he’ll just come to you and he won’t leave you alone. He’ll pester you for the whole day until you’re happy and smiling.”

In addition, Tilly said Hero has a wonderful personality and a delightful temperament. 

“You see him and it just brightens up your whole day. He’s just so happy, so waggy,” she further stated. 

Moreover, Tilly expressed that Hero was an excellent companion for her. Thus, she brought him along to her school to uplift her fellow students’ spirits. 

A 17-year-old boy in his final year of A-level studies, Jonny, acknowledged the current pressure of exams but found solace in Hero’s presence. After a challenging exam, Jonny found it comforting to spend time with Hero for relaxation and stress relief.

Sakcham Tiwari

Sakcham is a professional content writer with 3 years of work experience and a Master's degree in Digital Publishing from Oxford Brookes University. When she is not writing, she is either immersed in fanfiction, watching Netflix or giving belly rubs to her Golden Retriever puppy, Sammy.

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therapy dog visits toronto

Visit with therapy dogs the week before finals

March 8, 2024

The President's Office is hosting the Whatcom Therapy Dogs for students to come visit for a break from studying. And making friendship bracelets!!

They will be in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room on Tuesday, March 12  during the following time slots:

10:30 a.m. - noon

12:30 - 2 p.m.

2:30 - 4 p.m.

IMAGES

  1. Therapy dog visits children

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  2. Therapy Dogs

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  3. Ann R Howie Interview about How Pets Can Help in the Therapy Session

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  4. How Effective Are Therapy Dogs?

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  5. Therapy dogs to relieve passenger stress at Toronto’s Pearson airport

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  6. A Therapy Dog Visits A Day Centre For Adults With Disabilities

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COMMENTS

  1. Sunshine Therapy Dogs

    Dogs can bring us comfort and peace. Sunshine Therapy Dogs is a Canadian Registered Charity that provides visits from loving, qualified dogs, and their volunteer owners to students, seniors, and employees who may be suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, or loneliness. We have a diverse group of qualified volunteer/dog teams who have ...

  2. Companion Paws Therapy Dogs

    In fact, contact with a compassionate animal can significantly improve mental and physical health, as well as reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds. The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament. A Companion Paws therapy dog must be: a minimum of 1.5 years old. very well trained.

  3. TPOC

    Land Recognition. Therapeutic Paws of Canada™ would like to acknowledge that the land on which we offer therapy pet visitation programs is the traditional and unceded territory of the First Nations. We remain committed to working in partnership with the Indigenous peoples in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration in accordance ...

  4. Corporate Canine Therapy in Toronto, Ontario

    Corporate Canine Therapy is a company dedicated to providing therapeutic services with trained, vetted, Owner-owned Therapy Dogs to workplace and private environments. Our mission is to improve well-being and reduce stress by bringing the benefits of human-canine interaction to people. We offer tailored programs, and on-site visits to create a ...

  5. Therapy Dog

    The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program reaches out to thousands of people across Canada on a daily basis bringing comfort, joy and companionship to members of the community who are sick, lonely, reside in long-term care and mental health facilities; are in hospitals, schools and library settings. Program participants reap the therapeutic ...

  6. Sunshine Therapy Dogs

    Sunshine Therapy Dogs, Toronto, Ontario. 102 likes · 18 talking about this. Sunshine Therapy Dogs provides visits from loving, qualified dogs, and their volunteer owners to students, seniors, and...

  7. Animal and Pet Therapy : Toronto, ON

    Autism Dog Services is committed to enabling and enriching the lives of children with autism. ADS provides highly trained service and therapy dogs to children ... more 1488 2nd Concession Road West, Lynden, ON, L0R 1T0 Map

  8. Programs

    Therapeutic Paws of Canada™ is a free, volunteer-based pet therapy dog and cat visitation program. Our Volunteers and their certified pets visit with members of their communities in hospitals, senior's residences and long term care facilities or wherever there is a need. We also offer several Children's Programs that our Child Certified ...

  9. Our Story

    It began with Judy Sauvé in Hawkesbury, Ontario with only six volunteers. Launched on August 30th, 2002, Therapeutic Paws of Canada™ (TPOC) is a volunteer-based organization that provides therapy dog/cat visitation programs for senior's, children, and youth. In 2003 TPOC was granted charitable status ( Registered Charity #86535 9350 RR0001 ...

  10. Who's a good boy? How your dog can become a therapy animal in ...

    Share. Karin McLean's standard poodle, Henry, is one of more than 3,500 therapy dogs employed nationwide by St. John Ambulance. (Courtesy of Karin McLean) It had been two months since a man with a brain injury was admitted to Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, a hospital in Toronto's east end, and Karin McLean hadn't heard him so much as ...

  11. SJA Therapy Dog Program

    Learn about the SJA Therapy Dog Program at Main Street Veterinary Clinic, a compassionate and professional vet service in Ontario.

  12. Think COVID-19 can stop this Toronto therapy dog? Think again

    WATCH: Coogee the therapy dog visits patients at Sunnybrook's long-term care home. Toronto therapy dog visits veterans virtually during pandemic. 4 years ago. Duration 3:10.

  13. Puppy love: The benefits of Pet Therapy in rehab

    Therapy dogs like Snickers, Lucy and Harlow provide more than just emotional comfort, Tracey explains. They can also provide non-pharmacological pain relief for patients, and a way to bridge multiple therapies at Toronto Rehab. "Through Pet Therapy in therapeutic recreation, patients are able to work on goals in their other disciplines like ...

  14. Therapy Dogs of Toronto

    Therapeutic Paws of Canada is a not-for-profit organization that runs a variety of programs with therapy dogs and cats. They have senior programs, child programs, and a Paws Room program. The latter provides therapy dog visits to universities and colleges during exam periods. These programs are also typically provided at hospitals, seniors ...

  15. Toronto Therapy Dog

    Toronto Therapy Dog. June 15, 2020. A global pandemic is not enough to keep Coogee the Australian labradoodle away from the seniors she loves to visit. But the therapy dog has been relegated to snuffling at an iPad, while they blow kisses. Coogee, and her owner Maureen Harvey, have been visiting the residents of Sunnybrook hospital's Veterans ...

  16. Caring Canine

    We offer free animal assisted therapy (AAT) and animal assisted activity (AAA) (also called pet therapy or dog therapy) to the Toronto communities. Our activities are covered by 2-million-dollar liability insurance. Our Professor Dogs (therapy dogs) read with students/children with various needs or challenges to promote healthy self-concept ...

  17. St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs Toronto Pack

    St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs Toronto Pack, Toronto, Ontario. 1,817 likes · 4 talking about this · 12 were here. The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program brings comfort and companionship to those...

  18. Home Visits

    Our Programs. Assisted Living. Children Reading to Dogs. (Tail Waggin' Tutors) DSRD. (Disaster Stress Relief Dogs) Hospice. Hospitals (Children's) Hospitals (General)

  19. Therapy Dogs

    For more information please call us at the Mississauga Branch at: 905-568-1905 or contact our Community Services Coordinator for an application. Once you qualify for the program you will become a member of St.John Ambulance you will receive a uniform and so will your dog. Therapy Dog Opportunity.

  20. St. John Ambulance therapy dogs

    Meet and experience the unconditional love of a St. John Ambulance (SJA) therapy dog. They're here to help you feel welcomed and relaxed before your flight. As part of the Toronto Pearson Welcome Team Volunteer Program —a group of over 100 volunteers who help passengers in our terminals every day—you'll find the SJA Therapy dogs and ...

  21. Therapy Dogs for Facilities

    Alliance of Therapy Dogs also has the best insurance of all the registration organizations. The combination of these two factors makes ATD the obvious choice for our facility. Alliance of Therapy Dogs provides pet therapy dogs to visit with the elderly, the disabled, hospital patients, and residents of assisted-living facilities.

  22. Dalmatian Visits UK School To Help Students With Stress

    Award-winning Dalmatian Hero visits school to calm stressed-out students. Three-year-old Hero, an award-winning Dalmatian, recently visited Swanwick Hall School in Derbyshire, BBC reported. He ...

  23. Visit with therapy dogs the week before finals

    March 8, 2024. The President's Office is hosting the Whatcom Therapy Dogs for students to come visit for a break from studying. And making friendship bracelets!! They will be in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room on Tuesday, March 12 during the following time slots: 10:30 a.m. - noon. 12:30 - 2 p.m. 2:30 - 4 p.m.