Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc.

I have a dog that came from another organization that was trained to be a service dog. However, he decided that being a service dog was not for him. We were encouraged to apply to be a therapy dog team. After failing the first test, I was discouraged but received a very sweet phone call from Canine Assisted Therapy to please try again. My dog and I practiced and I found that I enjoyed spending the time with him as we learned different commands. We took our test again and passed with flying colors! We were excited to join the pack and get involved in the neighborhood with some local facilities. I'm not sure who enjoys it more- me, my dog or the clients!

Thank you, C.A.T. Dogs, for this amazing opportunity and to push us both (my dog and me) out of our comfort zones. We're all doing such good work and I am thrilled to be part of such a wonderful organization. C.A.T values its volunteers and there is never a shortage of therapy opportunities or pawsome people to meet.

Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc (CATDOGS.org) is an organization that I am proud to volunteer for and refer to other dog parents who want to make a difference with their canine partners. CAT, Inc is above many organizations as they are cognizant of the welfare of our canines as well as the volunteers and poeple we serve. Canines are evaluated along with their handlers and matched to appropriate opportunities (i.e. canines who are unsure of children are not offered opportunities to work with children). And CAT, Inc continues to educate their volunteers with trainings about different populations. This on top of the fact that the staff and volunteers are amazing human beings with a constant caring and helpful attitude.

I have been volunteering with my golden retriever Ivy since the beginning of the pandemic. It was a difficult time for all of us, we got certified in February 2020 went out 2 times with a mentor and the third got cancelled. CAT was and has always been there for us as a team, they pivoted so well to help the elderly that was struggling. We started doing car parades for senior communities, decorating our cars and dogs and waving to the elderly struggling with loneliness. After a while we started going in person with many specifications to stay safe. As always, the team that leads us from CAT was always available. I have volunteered at many different kinds of non-profits and CAT is the absolute best for everything, communication, team building, learning, problem solving, creativity the list is endless on the help and support that they provide. We love being a part of such a well-run compassionate and giving group as CAT. For me being a part of this has been life changing as I believe it has for many children and adults struggling in various ways.

I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful organization. When I visit hospitals, nursing homes, and many other venues with my pet therapy dog, I proudly wear the Canine Assisted Therapy logo on my shirt and so does my pet partner Poppy on her vest.

I can't say enough good things about the commitment of the management and staff to the goals of providing comfort and stress release to those in need through the teams they have out in the field.

We are estatic to have a dedicated Canine Assited Therapy volunteer named Kim come faithfully with her beautiful Samonian dog twice per month. His name is Hunter he has a very special personality who takes serious his job as an ambassador of happiness. Kim and Hunter are the stars of the show. Residents wait with eagar anticipation of their visit. They can barely get through the lobby without their fan base crowding around them. It is evident how much Kim loves her little buddy Hunter he is always well groomed with his white fur fluffy and ready to be touched. Hunter's visit's bring pure a joy. He loves the attention he recieves. The Encore at Boca Raton has so many Residents that miss their pets and are forever dog lovers. We are very lucky that Kim and Hunter enjoy coming to make the lives of our Residents so happy. Kim and Hunter are so genuine and express their love to our Residents on each visit.

My wife and I have a 4 year old Bernedoodle. CAT helped us prepare, train and pass the Therapy exam for our dog, Bogey. Bogey has been providing therapy, love and tenderness to Retirement homes, elementary schools, Universities and memory care facilities for the last two and a half years. We've witnessed the transformation of many individuals, including some who were completely afraid of dogs until they met Bogey. CAT provides a fantastic platform to enable volunteers to help, love and care for many people in a variety of places. We've been truly blessed to have this association with CAT and can't see a better way to help people with stress, loneliness, trauma, sorrow and many other negative feelings. The people and professionals at CAT continue to give their time and experience to help others in a generous way and make a huge difference in many lives.

we love when the dogs come to Broward Health Coral springs, they refill our happiness meter. We love having all of them come and love on us. It makes our work day go much more smoothly. they really brighten our day each time they come to visit us

I work in a hospital and we absolutely love when these doggies come to visit. They put smiles on our faces and our patients' faces.

Canine Assisted Therapy has been a tremendous success here at Broward Health Coral Springs. It boosts morale for the staff and really helps patients and families when they are sick. The children love the dogs, and it brightens their experience while in the hospital, putting smiles on their faces. The handlers for the dogs are amazing, very informative and caring. Overall, it has a big positive impact on everyone, and we love having them here. Please have them keep coming back!

I'm part of the Canine Assisted Therapy. My golden retriever is the one who gives therapy, relieving the anxiety in other persons or just by communicating her joy to them.
I enjoy all the activities because, even though we are trained for them, the Canine Assisted Therapy,Inc are the ones who coordinate them and we know that everything will run smoothly.

I am thrilled to serve as a Board Member of Canine Assisted Therapy. This organization and our amazing teams serve our community, providing support and improving the overall health and well-being through the incredible healing abilities animals have.

Our dedicated volunteer teams bring comfort and companionship to South Florida, providing much-needed relief to those who need it most. Knowing the power of the emotional bond I have had with my own dogs, I can attest to the incredible work our teams bring to people all over the region each and every day.

The handlers and dogs that give up their time to come and try to make peoples day a little brighter are a god send, they are selfless hero's. I look forward to the 3rd Thursday of the month to see my friends, I feel like they are family. I know the staff feels the same way I will get calls asking when they are coming. Shout out to Aibo, Charlie, Shelby, Theo, Peyton, Jazzmyn, Jacqualine, Rosie, Storm, Teddy, and special thanks to Pilar to keep everything organized. We love Our Canine Assisted Therapy Group

I have been the liason at broward health coral springs hospital for 3 years working with CAT. I look forward to having the dogs and handlers come as much as the employees and patients. They make such a difference in everyone's day. The dogs take their job seriously and are true professionals and so loving.

As a volunteer, I think CAT is the best! The caring and support from Elise and Pilar is beautiful. They have sincere concern for their trainers and dogs. Their organized posting of visits allows members to volunteer based on their personal schedules. There are great opportunities for the animals, their trainers, and the community organizations they serve.

I have been a long time supporter of Canine Assisted Therapy since its inception and have watched it grow to be such an amazing organization. I love seeing the happy smiles on peoples’ faces when the dogs walk into a room. The dogs and the volunteers love what they do. I am very grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization and its Board Chair.

I volunteer in my community with my dog Gracie through Canine Assisted Therapy. We love the work we do. through the connections CAT is able to make, we are able to visit so many locations and reach people of all ages and needs. The organization is well respected, and our teams are everywhere, sharing the magical and unconditional love a dog can offer.

The healing power of animals on any level is beyond compare. Canine Assisted Therapy's work in the communities we serve brings this power to the forefront and makes a difference each and every day. The smiles, the connection and the safe and judgement-free support of our furry ambassadors and their dedicated human volunteers brings light and hope and compassion to all walks of life.

As a Board Member, I am most proud of this organization both in its mission and the overwhelming impact we have on a daily basis through our teams. The incredible staff works tirelessly and have a true passion for helping others through the eyes of animals.

As a board member, I'm proud to be part of such a caring and impactful organization. It's amazing to see the positivize impact that the staff, volunteers and their canine companions have on people's lives.

CAT is an amazing organization. Their therapy dogs are so well trained and provide a great service to the community. That why I joined as a volunteer when my dog was 2 years old. We worked extensively at MSD after the shooting and provided help to the students and staff. It has been the most fulfilling volunteer work o have ever done. I met amazing people and developed life long friendships.

I feel very blessed to be a part of this organization. Our visits not only fill the residents or patients at the various facilities we visit with joy, but are also extremely fulfilling for me and my dog, Endo.

CATDogs helps us coordinate visits and ensures we are given the support and continued training we need to be the best volunteers possible.

My dog and I became a certified pet therapy team with Canine Assisted Therapy in April 2023. My experience as a volunteer has been excellent. The process of becoming a certified therapy team is very organized and throrough. I love that they offer orientation so potential volunteers know what will be expected of them, as well as mentoring for new teams, which provides the opportunity for valuable feedback and allows the mentee to ask questions. The organization is extremely professional, which was an important factor when I was deciding which therapy organization I wanted to volunteer with. They send listings of available visits and volunteers register for visits as their schedule allows. We have regular visits to nursing homes and hospitals and we are always eager to add new visits to our schedule. I love that all of the volunteers look very polished in their uniform shirt and the dogs wear either the C.A.T. vest and/or bandana. Everyone I have encountered at C.A.T. has been friendly and attentive, from the executive team, to the office staff, to the fellow volunteers. I am thrilled to be a volunteer with Canine Assisted Therapy,!

The best group ever and I am 3 dogs in with so many incredible visit that have made me a better person. The impact these dogs have is so profound on so many places. We are forever grateful to be proud members of this team

By far the most professional and well trained pet therapy teams in the country. From the initial evaluation of the therapy team, to the training, to the deployment, it is all done professionally and with great care. The staff is incredible.

I am a volunteer for CAT and am continually impressed with how this organization is run and how they adapt to the what is needed in the community. It is so rewarding seeing the impact a dog can have on individuals. I have been Volunteering with them for 2 and a half years in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other community events.

Canine Assisted Therapy is an incredible non-profit organization. The volunteers and their own personal dogs visit a wide variety of institutions throughout the tri-county area. These include schools from pre-K through college, nursing homes, hospitals, special needs schools and care facilities, corporate businesses, rehabilitation and sober homes, just to name a few.
The children and adults of all ages are so happy to greet and be comforted by the dogs. The amount of joy and unconditional love and comfort brought by these dogs is visible in the people with whom we visit.
I have witnessed non-vocal children on the spectrum of autism smile and say a word, to the astonishment of their caretakers, when they saw and pet my therapy dog Storm.
I have also been able to help senior citizens in assisted therapy homes reach out to pet my other therapy dog, Sonny, when their physical therapists were not successful in convincing them to stretch for a therapy session.
I have seen the eyes of the hundreds of people my dogs and I have visited light up and the warm smiles brought to these folks makes my life so much more enriched as well. Most people experience stress relief for those moments they are so in need of, and they reach their arms out to the dogs in order to hug them and feel love back to them.
The amount of well-being brought to these communities is immeasurable, yet Canine Assisted Therapy makes it all possible.

I loved my experience with Canine Assisted Therapy. The pups were amazing and very loving, they made you feel loved all the time, it’s the best therapy session I’ve had, truly helps you forget about everything around you.

CATS is the very definition of serotonin! They are quick to respond to emails and phone calls, and they are positive, friendly, and have the most well-behaved and trained puppies! They have been coming to Nova Southeastern University for 3 years to help the Pawsitivity club boost positive morale and smiles to faculty members and students. The students at our university love and appreciate all CATS do for us, and we hope to continue bringing their services to our campus for many more years to come!

Canine Assisted Therapy provides reliable, professional, and supportive services to the youth that I work with. The youth look forward to their bi-weekly visits and feel safe and comforted by their canine companions. CAT provides an invaluable service to our organization!

Canine Assisted Therapy changes the outlook of thousands of people every month. The support they give to their community isn’t limited to a select group of people but is vast and inclusive. From young children learning how to approach dogs or building up their courage to pet one, to seniors in assisted living facilities that are no longer capable of having a beloved dog. Canine Assisted Therapy provides the love, support, and affection needed.

I have not personally volunteered with the organization for long; however, in every scheduled visit, you can see an immediate mode shift the moment everyone lays eyes on the dogs. Canine Assisted Therapy works diligently to provide these amazing experiences. Look at the photos on their Facebook/Instagram for all the proof you need that this organization is imperative for the overall health of our community.

My dog, Kuma, and I volunteer with this Canine Assisted Therapy. We both went through testing and certification to insure the safety of those we interact with. I am a psychologist and have been amazed with this organization, the staff, the community and all the events they host. It is an honor to be a volunteer at CAT. I only wish I could have more time to devote to their cause and mission.

As the founder of Canine Assisted Therapy in August of 2009, I cannot begin to express how wonderful it has been to see the growth of the organization and the expansion of the services to areas we never would have imagined. With the onset of the pandemic, CAT was able to adapt its services to include virtual and distanced visits. Now, post pandemic, when mental health is a concern, CAT is adapting to meet the needs of the community once again by extensively training its volunteers to deal with disasters, work with mental health care professionals, and provide support to first responders. CAT continues to set the pace for what pet therapy truly is becoming as a professional service.

CAT volunteers have been such a great stress reliever and moral booster for our caregivers at the hospital. Traditionally CAT volunteers focused on visiting patients, but the COVID pandemic changed that and when we we saw a need for something for our staff, they immediately said, YES! And they have been coming to visit our staff regularly on day and night shift ever since. They have also participated in our community "drive-thru" events. I can't say enough positive things about CAT. First of all the CAT team is incredible. They literally never say no. Whatever we need, whenever we need it, they put the word out to their volunteers and every spot gets filled. The volunteers are amazing as well. The way they take time out of their lives to come to the hospital - even at 9pm so that the night shift is not left out is truly humbling. Our staff gets so excited to see them. I am so grateful to everyone at CAT for all they do.

Canine Assisted Therapy has been a Godsend for our inpatient mental health clients here at Destination Hope. The doggie volunteers and their handlers have shed light into the darkness of many of our clients lives. The experience of participating with CAT Dogs has been tremendously helpful for our clients, and staff! I would recommend the program to anyone anywhere as it is truly life changing!

Canine Assisted Therapy has made such a difference in so many lives! Every other week, they Zoom into our living room at YourLife of Coconut Creek which is a memory care facility. The volunteers share their story and brighten the residents day and leaves them smiling. So often the residents remember and reminisce about the pets they used to have, several were dog trainers and it is wonderful to see the change in the persons face and the happiness it brings. The volunteers are phenomenal. We are just so lucky to have these kind people and their fur children make such a difference in so many people.
Since COVID 19, their Zoom visits are eagerly looked forward to even more than ever. Before this, the volunteers and fur children, did a dog parade here and the joy was obvious for all to see. Lori Bale is great each time setting up the visits and Elise Samet was super helpful getting us started with Canine Assisted Therapy.
I cannot name just one special volunteer each time we do the Zoom because they are all wonderful. I look forward to when I can personally thank each of these angels for making such a difference.

Canine Assisted Therapy teams have been providing comfort to the families of Quantum House for years. They bring our kiddos smiles on some of their toughest days. We are so grateful to have them apart of our volunteer team because our therapy dog program continues to be one of the most loved experiences by our families.
Recently, Canine Assisted Therapy teams came from near and far to put on a pet therapy parade for our children. It was one of the most special days I have witnessed while being at Quantum House and it is still talked about months later! We can't wait to have them back. The pet therapy teams and staff members that make up this organization have so much heart that pours into this community. We are lucky to be apart of it!

My dog, Jessie and I have been with CAT since 2013. Over the years we have had so many positive experiences from visiting hospitals, hospice patients, Camp Good Grief, supporting the students at MSD, along with our weekly visits to assisted living facilities and schools where the students read to the dogs. We have made many wonderful friendships through this organization and am very grateful to be a part of it.

Canine assisted therapy is a wonderful organization they go above and beyond to make sure both dog and handler are safe. Their intentions are honorable in everything they do. ������������ When you’re looking for an organization with heart ♥️ You need NOT look any further than canine assisted therapy “everyone’s choice”. My dog and I trained together she has her CGC BA MA PHD and has passed all courses to work with children and fingerprinted. I wanted to make sure after all that hard work that we chose an Organization that had as much heart as we did. Canine assisted therapy has a level of professionalism second to none.
They serve the elderly and the children who need them all you need to do is look at the pictures of all the people who love them! These are a humble group of people that know what’s really important that the reward is priceless and smiles are everything! Love comes on 4 paws but they make it happen ������♥️

I love Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc. because the dogs happiness is their first concern and they are always open to listen and change things to improve. I have seen them turn volunteers away because the dogs were not enjoying the work. It's hard for handlers that really want to do it but their dogs don't. The staff is always available for questions and help. They are a wonderful fun group of people that love helping others.

I donate money every year to this organization because I see all the good they do and how passionate they are to their mission. I know my donations make a difference!

This nonprofit extends comfort to those in need and utiliziing a natural resource, dogs. This is a great organization and I will always support it.

I have had other pet therapy organizations provide services to my clients but I will never use them again. Canine Assisted Therapy is by far superior both professionally and in the quality of therapy dogs they provide. I never have to worry about keeping updated information. They do it for me and we are delighted to be partnering with them!

Canine Assisted Therapy is definitely setting new standards in pet therapy. The programs that are provided to those in need are second to none. The dogs are closely evaluated and the volunteers are very well trained.

I love the fact that the dog is the main concern. No dogs are forced to do pet therapy if they do not truly enjoy the experience. That is so important for not only the dog, but for the people who are receiving the pet therapy.

Pet therapy organizations should all live up to the standards set forth by Canine Assisted Therapy.

I first became involved with C.A.T. when friends got their dog (one of my dog's best buddies), who was released from the same organization my own hearing service dog was trained due to a minor medical condition, certified as a therapy dog and became volunteers; their "change of career" dog is an EXCEPTIONAL therapy dog. I was invited to one of their many educational presentations at a summer program and since then have witnessed the wonderful work they do and the difference and impact they have in the community.

From reading other posts, you notice a general theme... that C.A.T. has set higher standards, and frankly the standards that should be in place nationwide, for therapy dogs. They have very strict rules and standards for all their volunteers and dogs. Unlike other organizations with questionable standards, any dog wearing a purple C.A.T. vest is known and trusted in its ability and training because of their good reputation. They don't certify just any dog, and if at any point an already certified dog or human volunteer breaks a rule, they are immediately removed from the program because they take the safety of not only their dogs, but also the general public they serve very seriously. They make sure their volunteers are trained and are knowledgeable on all the laws, and they make sure that any place a volunteer team visits is safe for the dogs (and their humans).

In addition, they work hard at also raising awareness and educating the public about these wonderful dogs and the differences between service and therapy dogs, which is often mistaken for one in the same. They not only emphasize pet therapy, but also education as well which is so necessary and important. They encourage their volunteers and recognize the importance of what they do. Their work makes such a difference and has impacted the community very positively. They are always coming up with new programs that enhance their mission, and do/go where many have been scared to go/do. I cannot say enough great things about this organization and their volunteers.

I don't have a therapy dog, but I do have a service dog. I love partnering with them and helping any way I can because I feel it is so important what they do. They are honest, hard working, loving people and dogs... I have received pet therapy myself when I have been critically ill in the hospital. One time I actually started walking again with the assistance of a dog by my side, so I know the value of what they do... LIFE-CHANGING, MIRACULOUS, PRICELESS! And when I have been in need, C.A.T. has gone above and beyond for me, and that has no price.

Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc. sets their standard high for both the volunteer people and their dogs. People are trained and fingerprinted, dogs must pass tests. All are tested extensively on various situations that they are liable to run into so you are assured that the team can handle it successfully. I am proud to be a part of this group.
Linda and Scruffy

Macy (my 3 year old labrador) and I became involved with Canine Assisted Therapy (CAT) in January. As an individual who has been involved with dog related organizations for many years, I feel that CAT is setting a higher standard for therapy dogs. Every Canine Assisted Therapy Volunteer team we have meet have been exceptional people and dogs! This group is some of the kindest people I have ever met! The group is wonderful in making sure you and your dog are comfortable and find the best placement match for you (nursing home, school, pack readers, etc). Canine Assisted Therapy is truly an Organization that makes a difference in many lives; Getting involved with CAT is one of the best things I have done!

I have been a Volunteer and Board Member with Canine Assisted Therapy since its inception. This organization was established with the primary goal of being the most professionally run pet therapy organization in Florida...if not the Nation. I firmly believe this goal has been attained. C.A.T. serves so many different types of people. The sense of gratification from being a volunteer with CA.T. is tremendous. Our therapy teams have brought millions of smiles to thousands of people. The therapy teams are very well trained and tested to work with the different types of situations they provide pet therapy to. All volunteers must obtain a background screening prior to becoming a Therapy Team. The facilities that are served are provided with Volunteer Information Sheets that can help them during any type of inspection of their facility. C.A.T. knows where each of its therapy teams is volunteering at any given time and works with them in advanced training that will help them to be better volunteers. AND the dogs...well they are THE BEST! They have all passed their AKC Canine Good Citizen Test and then another internal test to ensure that they are suited to be therapy dogs. This organization is THE BEST!!! I would recommend it to anyone looking to give back to their community and to form an even better bond with their family pet.

I am the proud owner of the 2012 American Humane Association Hero Therapy Dog of the Year.

I only wish I knew about CAT when I had my puppy certified. CAT is incredibly organized and thorough in their evaluations and certifications. The staff has this perfect balance between knowledge and compassion. CAT oozes professionalism and never fails to thank their volunteers for a job well done.

CAT dogs are evidence that not all medicine comes in a bottle.

I have volunteered with other organizations, observed friends who are affiliated with other organizations, and find C.A.T. to be one of the best. C.A.T. executive members and volunteers all demonstrate a commitment to finding the right placement for the dog and his/her handler. This is of utmost importance for the benefit of both the animal and the people they are helping.

They also work with the groups being visited to insure all the proper documentation and background checks are completed. This allows a comfort level to both the visiting location, insures state laws are being satisfied, but most importantly insures those affiliated with C.A.T can maintain a comfort level when working with other individuals at various locations.

To insure the teams are always at the top of their 'game', they consistently offer ongoing education. This education covers everything from how to recognize signs in your dog to how to safely work within a given environment.

My dogs and I have been active with therapy for several years now. Nothing replaces the joy of watching an individual's face when they see the dog; whether it's a child reading to the dog at one of our Pack Reading events, a patient in hospital recovering, or an alzheimer's patient who has trouble connecting but experiences peace and a small memory from the feel and warmth of the dog. I truly appreciate the efforts made by C.A.T. to insure my dogs and I can continue to enjoy that warm feeling in an educated and safe environment.

I have met with representatives from this organization in various community meetings. They are always very professional and are held in the highest regard in this community.

I want to be a part of this organization because of all the great work they do. I attended a volunteer orientation and found them to know their stuff, take it very seriously and now I want to be a part of this organization. They take the happiness of the dog into consideration. Other organizations do not consider the dogs happiness.

This is by far the most organized, thorough, detailed, highly experienced, dedicated, and safest Dog/AnimalTherapy Organizations in the Country. Me and my dog volunteer for C.A.T. from Florida to Pennsylvania. I have trained my dog for 7 years and chose C.A.T. to certify her because of the highest standards in this industry. I always feel safe, prepared, relaxed and confident when visiting any facility with my dog, because I know I have the support from C.A.T. and she has been evaluated to the highest standards. C.A.T. volunteers are very knowledgeable and come from a vast background. We all as a group hold C.A.T. to the highest standards, and as a group, come together to place the organization in unique facilities. C.A.T. continues to grow by leaps and bounds and me and my dog wouldn't have it any other way. If you are considering a professional Dog Therapy Organization, make your first and last stop at Canine Assisted Therapy.

I found Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc. by accident at a dog show a few years ago. I had just had my two dogs tested for their therapy certification with another organization, but after hearing what Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T.) was about, I decided to have my dogs retested by them. They passed and became C.A.T. Dogs! Canine Assisted Therapy provides ongoing training and support for its volunteers which I never received from the other therapy dog organization. They also provide mentoring, followup with the facilities, and a much more intense evaluation than the other (international) therapy dog group. I like the personal attention that Canine Assisted Therapy provides to its volunteers (making sure you and your dog's needs and abilities match your facility), and to its "clients". I would definitely recommend Canine Assisted Therapy to anyone wanting to make a difference by volunteering with their well-trained, well-behaved dog.

I have been with Canine Assisted Therapy since it was founded in 2009 and I am so proud to be part of this fantastic organization. C.A.T.'s standards and values are based off of its passion to change lives and it demonstrates this passion through its hardworking and dedicated volunteers. C.A.T.’s high standards and testing ensure that the facilities we visit are receiving the best possible care and unconditional love from our pet therapy teams. I have seen life changing progress in the individuals we visit. One of the most touching experiences I have had volunteering with C.A.T. was when I was helping to conduct an evaluation at a nursing home. We walked up to an elderly woman sitting alone on a bench. Her eyes lit up when she saw our pet therapy team and she started tearing up from the experience. She then looked up at us and said, “this has been the highlight of my week, thank you.” It’s small moments like this that can create large impacts in a person’s life and this is what Canine Assisted Therapy strives to accomplish everyday.

I have worked with many non-profit organizations and C.A.T. has been one of the BEST! They are professional, up to date with standards, and show a TRUE passion for what they do. They provide a service that lifts spirits, brings back amazing memories, and improves overall well being. C.A.T. is a part of our community and not only assit those who need pet therapy, they help universities with research projets. I cannot say enough about this amazing organization!

Having been in Canine Assisted Therapy since its inception, I can attest to the fact that it is professionally run and the best organization of its kind, not only in South Florida but, I am sure, in the country. The dogs are well trained, well behaved and love what they do. The owners (the second half of a pet therapy team) are dedicated and professional. These pet therapy teams are background checked, follow strict guidelines and perform with tremendous dedication. I am so proud to be one of the Canine Assisted Therapy Teams!

Going into a nursing home and visiting people that may not have anyone else to visit them for weeks on end is so very rewarding. These elderly people are so grateful and the love the dogs share with them cannot be replicated. The children we serve are also blessed to be able to share their love with such well trained dogs. Performing pet therapy is a volunteer position where you get so much more than you give…and what you give is a lot of love. I would highly recommend volunteering with Canine Assisted Therapy. Give and you shall receive!

As an owner of a doggie daycare in Fort Lauderdale, I have the distinct pleasure of enjoying the company of one of C.A.T.'s dog's in my facility for daycare. She is one of the most well behaved dogs when she is with us, and I can only think that her behavior is due to the careful training that C.A.T. has done on her. If the dog, April, is any indication of how these dogs behave after going through training at C.A.T., then any facility that welcomes these dogs are in great hands. April is a kind and sensitive dog and gives the best attention when she is around. I salute Debra and her team for such a great job on her dogs and hope we can have more of them at our facility in the future.

I am a trainer who among other things teaches and evaluates dogs for therapy programs. C.A.T. is my favorite therapy program because they think about how the dog feels doing their work. C.A.T. supervises clients with their dog, runs a class A program and brings light and love to those needing therapy dogs. Rose Lesniak C.D.T.

From my experience, C.A.T. should be the standard that all Pet Therpy organizations should strive to emulate. I have been a member and observed other organizations and find this one the best because of it's commitment to first and foremost finding the best fit for the dog both in the type of facility and the individuals to be visited through their testing. Second, they work with the groups being visited to provide the background checks of the handlers that are required by Florida law and setting up the visits that work best for the facility. Finally, they follow through after placing a team to offer the teams continuing education and being sure the facility is happy with their service and they are dedicated to teach children and everyone they come in contact with how to treat and respect animals. I have two dogs who are members and the experiences we have had are heart warming. We have personally watched children grow and show confidence in their ability to read through the Pack Reader program, felt the spirits and and overall emotional well being of individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementia and their families respond with recognition and smiles from touching and talking to my dogs. You cannot top the joy my dogs and I get from someone opening their eyes and lighting up at seeing us. We continue to work on trying to help individuals perform their therapy and giving all ages a little of what they need to be happy and successful in their lives. My dogs love their work!

My son had been seriously ill and in the hospital for almost a month. During that time we were missing our Golden Retriever Wally that was at home with family members, but we were lucky enough to be visited by many of the therapy dog teams the hospital had to offer. Shortly after getting home, I was determined to get Wally certified and to bring joy to others like we had experienced. After researching many local pet therapy groups, I found C.A.T. Debra and Joanne are wonderful and the organization has made me a better person. They are professional,caring and supportive. I have volunteered with Wally is multiple settings, with the elderly and with children. I have also volunteered as a mentor to new teams. C.A.T. is simply the best!

As a board member of Canine Assisted Therapy, I am so proud to be involved with such amazing and dedicated group of people who have made Canine Assisted Therapy the top Pet Therapy organization in South Florida. Canine Assisted Therapy teams are evaluated, trained, and have ongoing education and guidance. Our teams are placed in already C.A.T. vetted facilities and are accompanied on first visits. This is vital because most organizations certify the teams then they are left to their own devices.
As a volunteer it is truly rewarding to watch the changes in the children in our Pack Readers program. Most children enter Pack Readers with an intense dislike of reading out loud and by the end of the year the same children are vying with one another to see who will be first to read aloud! Their fluency has improved and their motivation comes of a non-judgmental, loving dog, lying beside them listening!
The atmosphere is a little different in the children’s clinic where my dog also volunteers. The child who is screaming and fearful of injections etc. become distracted by the dog and begins to comply with whatever procedure is being given by the doctor. Then there is the child in a wheelchair who is motivated to move an arm to pet the dog. Always very touching!
Canine Assisted Therapy brings all this and more to our community. Volunteering with C.A.T. is a rewarding and humbling experience. It is a reminder just how fortunate we are to bring a smile to a child’s lips or comfort an adult who may be having a stressful day. All this takes place just by being there with my C.A.T. Dog!

Canine Assisted Therapy, inc. is the leading pet therapy organization in South Florida and setting the standards for service nationally. Over 100 therapy dog teams are providing services to schools, hospitals, physical and emotional therapy facilities, adult day care and nursing homes.

My dogs and have volunteered with several organizations and canine assisted therapy by far stands out in all areas! Professional, fun, organized and super friendly. I highly recommend them.

If you are looking for one of the most reputable Pet Therapy Organizations, C.A.T. is the place that you have to go. Setting themselves apart from other non profits in the same field, Canine Assisted Therapy really stays involved in the work of their members. Supports them from the very beginning getting place into a desired place to serve, to troubleshoot and deal with facilities directly. Teams are placed strategically according to dog size and preferences, trying to make an excellent experience overall. All volunteers are put through a Level 2 Background Screening, protecting the safety of the children and adults recipients of C.A.T. services. Excellence in every aspect!

I was introduced to CAT over one year ago and was impressed with their mission and selfless dedication to bring smiles to people's faces when they are most in need. The volunteers spent endless hours to make sure their dog is properly trained to visit hospitals, Rehab Facilities and Nursing Homes. I am a big believer in the healing and rehabilitative powers of a dog. But as with many great organizations passion alone will not let it grow to its fuillest potential. This is a group that I hope to one day see in every major city in the US. CAT is the most thorough organization when it comes to taking care or proper training of their volunteers and dogs as well as proper Back Ground check to ensure the safety and privacy of the individuals they have contact with.