Our Dogs
Our dogs love people and enjoy being petted. Each dog is screened for temperament, obedience, and health. 
Any breed (except coyote or wolf hybrids) or mix over 1 year old may be tested to become a registered therapy dog with Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD).
- Upon passing the ATD testing, the handler and dog are qualified and have the option to join Therapaws.
- Handlers follow ATD guidelines and standards to ensure safe and effective visits.
- Dogs must receive annual exams by veterinarians and maintain their registration with ATD in order to continue participation in Therapaws.
- For more information on ATD go to www.therapydogs.com
Therapy Dog Visits
Therapy Dog Visits Can Benefit Patients, Residents, Family, Visitors, Students and Staff
- Increases morale
- Increases motivation and optimism
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Empathy
- Communication
Patients and residents of care facilities are visited in their rooms or in common areas, where one-on-one interaction with a therapy dog makes it possible for positive effects to occur.
Types of Facilities We Visit
Dog/handler teams are assigned to these types of locations for regularly scheduled visits:
- Hospitals
- Extended care facilities
- Other health care settings
- Schools
- Libraries
Most Therapaws members reside in Washtenaw County, however there are other groups that serve other counties.
Locations We Visit
Hospitals We Visit
- U-M Hospitals (Michigan Medicine)
- Ann Arbor VA Medical Center
- St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
Community Events
- Walk & Wag
- Dreams and Wings
- Bark for Life
- And Others
Student-Centered Events
- University of Michigan
- Eastern Michigan University
- Washtenaw Community College
Days and Times We Typically Visit
Visits mostly occur during the daytime hours on weekdays. There are also some weekend and evening opportunities to visit.
Therapaws To READ
The Therapaws READ program seeks to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered pet therapy teams.
Children enjoy reading aloud to the dogs. Studies have shown the level of reading confidence improved for children involved in this program.
READ dogs visit schools and libraries in Washtenaw County as well as surrounding counties.