Welcome to KW Therapy Dogs!
The Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) Therapy Dog program is a group of volunteer dog and handler teams that participate in animal-assisted therapy in the region. The KW Therapy Dog Program is organized through St. John Ambulance.
We provide moments of joy, comfort and emotional support to seniors, children and others experiencing stress and trauma.
Find us on Facebook! Follow weekly updates of KW Therapy Dogs in the news, #dogsoffduty, and more.
CONNECT ON FACEBOOKKW Therapy Dogs Services
LONG TERM CARE &
RETIREMENT HOMES
Our teams visit a variety of Long Term Care Facilities and Retirement Homes and provides weekly friendly visits. Many of our dog teams are very well known at these facilities and the residents look forward to their weekly dog visits!
UNIVERSITY &
COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Our teams make visits at Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo and Conestoga College regularly. Many students cite the relaxing and stress reducing nature of these visits. It is easy to miss your family dog while studying!
“PAWS 4 READING”
AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Some of our Therapy Dog teams attend local Elementary Schools to participate in the “Paws 4 Reading” program. This program supports the development of literacy skills by providing the opportunity for young students to practice reading to the visiting dogs.
WATERLOO REGION SUPPORT PROGRAM (WRPS) THERAPY DOG SUPPORT TEAM
Some of our dog teams provide support to individuals who have experienced sexual or physical violence through a collaborative program with WRPS. Survivors can take a moment to seek emotional support from the Therapy Dog during the process.
CTV News Kitchener: KW Therapy Dogs provide support for kids getting COVID-19 vaccines
Click Here to Watch the Video
Therapy Dogs Make a Difference!
CTV News Kitchener: WRPS partners with St. John Ambulance to offer therapy dog program (March 2021)
Read Full Article
CBC News Kitchener Waterloo: Tango the therapy dog helps victims of sexual assault (March 2021)
Read Full Article
City News Kitchener: Therapy Dogs heading to The Boardwalk to comfort kids getting vaccines (Dec. 2021)
Read Full ArticleA big thanks for the continued support from TLC Pet Foods. Check out their website to explore their products, photo contests, and more!
VISIT TLC PET FOOD ONLINE
Meet Our Pack
We have a diverse and talented pack of Therapy Dogs (and their caring handlers) that volunteer in the program. Navigate to “Meet Our Pack!” to get to know our team.
Interested in joining the team?
We are always looking for volunteers! Navigate to “How to Join the Pack!” to find out how to qualify as dog team or volunteer without a dog.
Donate
KW Therapy Dogs is looking for your support. Please click “Donate” to help fund the continued success and growth of this needed community program.
Thank you to TLC Pet Food and
Pet Valu Pioneer Park for their support!
