Puppy Love Pet Therapy

Because Sometimes Connection Comes on Four Paws

Bringing comfort, companionship, and emotional connection through certified therapy dog visits.

COMING THIS FALL!

Our Puppy Love Pet Therapy Program brings the healing power of the human-animal bond directly into the homes of older adults who may be feeling isolated or lonely. In partnership with certified therapy dog teams, clients receive gentle, supportive visits that focus on comfort, connection, and joy.

During each visit, the trained therapy dog and handler lead all interactions, ensuring safety and a positive experience. Clients are invited to engage at their own pace, whether that means petting the dog, sharing stories, or simply enjoying a calming presence. These visits can help reduce feelings of loneliness, support emotional well-being, and create meaningful moments of connection.

Visits take place twice a month for 30 – 60 minutes, guided by the client’s comfort and the interaction with the therapy dog. What makes Puppy Love unique is the added therapeutic benefit of animal companionship, which can be especially powerful for individuals who may find traditional conversation-based visits more challenging.

Our professional staff team provides ongoing support to ensure each match is appropriate and meaningful. This program is offered free of charge through the generosity of our volunteers, partners, funders, and donors. Therapy dog visits are delivered in collaboration with community partners, including Sunshine Therapy Dogs.

Program Criteria

To participate in the Puppy Love Pet Therapy Program:

Older adults (65+) living in own home are social isolation or with limited social support due to physical health limitations, accessibility, mobility or transportation issues
The client resides in the Region of Halton;
The client has a valid Ontario Health Card;
The staff and volunteers have the expertise to meet the person’s service needs;
They agree to refrain from smoking while the Care Manager and volunteer(s) and therapy dog team visits;
They pose no risk of harm to the Care Manager, volunteers, or therapy dog teams;
They do not have communicable diseases. Clients with MRSA, VRE, or C. Difficile must have three negative cultures prior to being visited with a volunteer

Ideal participants should:

Be open and willing to participate in visits with a therapy dog;
Have no known dog allergies;
Have no fear of dogs or history of trauma involving animals;
Ensure no other pets are present during visits (or that they are securely contained);
Ensure all household members (if applicable) are comfortable with therapy dog visits;
Provide a home environment that is safe and reasonably clean for both the dog and handler;
Have sufficient space to accommodate a visit (adaptations can be made where needed);
If living in a condo with pet restrictions, be willing to seek any necessary approvals (e.g., condo board);

Additional considerations:

Matches are carefully arranged based on client needs and comfort
Visits are supported by trained therapy dog handlers who lead all dog-related interactions
Our staff team provides ongoing support and can help connect clients to additional services as needs evolve
Exceptional cases may be reviewed individually by a Care Manager on an individual basis