Pet Partners Therapy Dogs Support Skaters at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Pet Partners Teams Bring Calm and Connection to the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships 

When Sports and Compassion Meet 

The 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships are one of the biggest events in figure skating. Skaters from across the country come together to compete, and showcase some unforgettable moments on the ice. These moments are exciting, but can also be highly stressful. 

This year, Pet Partners therapy animal teams were invited to the Championships to help. Behind the scenes, therapy dogs gave skaters and staff a chance to slow down, relax, and take a deep breath.   

Local and national media covered the event and one volunteer shared that when the dogs walked in, you could see people relax right away, the room felt calmer, and everyone smiled. 

How the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships Connect to the Pet Partners Mission 

Supporting Health Through the Human-Animal Bond 

Pet Partners works to improve human health and well-being through the human-animal bond to help people feel safe, calm, and supported. 

At the Championships, skaters faced long days, tough training, and high-stakes pressure. Therapy dogs helped by offering quiet comfort and friendly connection. A few minutes with an animal gave many people a chance to reset and feel more at ease. 

These moments show how therapy dogs can help in a wide variety of settings beyond more traditional places like hospitals and schools. 

The Impact of Therapy Animal Visits 

Small Moments that Made a Big Difference 

During the event, Pet Partners volunteers and their dogs met with skaters, coaches, and staff in calm spaces away from the ice. 

Several therapy animal teams volunteered during the event, with volunteers coming from multiple local community partner groups including Pet Partners of St. Louis and Pet Partners of The Tri-State.  

Skaters and staff had short, but meaningful visits. Some people talked with volunteers, while others sat quietly and pet the therapy dogs. Every visit was led with care for both the people and animals. 

Thanking Our Partners 

Working Together to Support Athletes 

Pet Partners is thankful to Nulo Pet Food for inviting therapy animal teams to this special event. Their support made these visits possible. 

Event planners, staff, and Pet Partners volunteers worked together to make sure visits were safe, respectful, and focused on animal well-being. This teamwork helped create a positive experience for everyone involved. 

One organizer shared with a news organization that the therapy dogs brought a special kind of comfort that athletes truly appreciated. 

Comfort that Stays with You 

The 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships were filled with hard work, talent, and emotion. Thanks to Pet Partners volunteers and their animals, there were also moments of calm and connection.  

Together, we can keep bringing comfort to people when they need it most. 

Get Involved with Pet Partners

If you believe in the power of the human-animal bond, there are many ways to help. 

• Donate to Pet Partners to help expand access to therapy animal visits for people in need. 
• Volunteer with your superstar pet and make a difference on the ground. 

• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see where our teams visit and find other ways to get involved. 

Sources 

14 News. (2026, January 9). Tri-state therapy pet group heads to U.S. Figure Skating Championships. https://www.14news.com/2026/01/09/tri-state-therapy-pet-group-head-us-figure-skating-championships/ 

Wabash Valley News. (2026, January 9). Local therapy dog will be comforting U.S. figure skaters. https://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/local-news/local-therapy-dog-will-be-comforting-us-figure-skaters/