Therapy dogs are specially trained animals who are calm, well-behaved, and naturally suited for interacting with people who are unwell. Studies have shown that spending time with pets, and the special bond it creates, can help patients heal faster. Trauma survivors are often able to emerge from silence, grief, or shock through the simple act of connecting with a therapy dog.
Children Reading to Dogs
An innovative program created by Therapy Dogs International consists of children reading to dogs.” It’s called Tail Waggin’ Tutors! Handlers and their dogs visit libraries and schools regularly to support children who struggle with reading.
Children are encouraged to read stories aloud to the dogs, who sit patiently, wagging their tails and offering silent encouragement. The non-judgmental presence of the dog helps build the child’s confidence, fosters a love for reading, and creates a lasting friendship between child and dog.
Therapy Dogs During Disasters
Therapy dogs also provide important emotional support during disasters by helping affected families, individuals, and relief workers. Petting, hugging, or grooming a therapy dog helps release anxiety and stress, offering much-needed comfort during overwhelming times.
Therapy dogs are often deployed to bombing sites, areas impacted by earthquakes, and communities devastated by floods or hurricanes, providing a steady presence and silent companionship.
Visiting Hospitals and Nursing Homes
Many therapy dogs regularly visit hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Their presence lifts spirits, encourages communication, and sometimes even supports physical therapy exercises. In children’s wards, therapy dogs bring moments of laughter and joy to young patients fighting serious illnesses.
Patients are encouraged to talk to the dogs, pet them, or groom them, helping speed up healing and brighten long days. Many therapy dogs have a natural ability to entertain, performing tricks or simply offering quiet affection.
Becoming a Therapy Dog Team
To become a therapy dog, both the dog and handler must meet specific requirements. The dog must be healthy, well-groomed, calm, obedient, and free from allergies or excessive shedding. A handler must be patient, committed, and willing to devote time to training and regular visits.
Most therapy organizations require teams to pass evaluations, obtain a health certification, and carry liability insurance. Owners interested in pet therapy work are encouraged to check with local dog clubs, trainers, or therapy organizations to determine whether their dog is a good candidate for therapy work.
The Healing Power of Dogs
Therapy dogs show incredible patience, love, and understanding. Their ability to connect with people in need is often described as magical. Even terminally ill patients are known to find comfort and improved morale through interaction with therapy dogs. Studies show that therapy dogs can boost spirits, lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, stimulate activity and exercise, encourage communication, and provide crucial emotional support for those dealing with depression, grief, and loss.
Whether bringing comfort to hospital patients, helping children learn to read, or offering steady support during times of disaster, therapy dogs remind us of the healing power of unconditional love and connection.
Want to Support Therapy Dogs? Here’s One Simple Way
If you believe in the healing power of therapy dogs, and want to support the amazing work they do, one simple way is to choose companies that help make it possible.
That’s one reason we love Chewy. Beyond offering a huge range of pet supplies, Chewy has consistently shown a commitment to supporting pets and the people who love them — from donating supplies to shelters to helping fund service dog programs and community initiatives.
- They offer specialized therapy dog and service dog dog gear, from vests and harnesses to calming supplements and grooming supplies, all designed to keep working dogs healthy, safe, and comfortable.
- Their BeChewy platform provides dog therapy tips and advice for how your dog can become a therapy dog!
Whether you’re outfitting your own therapy dog, supporting a therapy organization, or simply cheering on these incredible animals from afar, shopping with Chewy is one way to be part of the healing.
