April 30 is National Therapy Animal Day!
National Therapy Animal Day was created by Pet Partners to:
- Recognize and honor therapy dogs and other therapy animals who partner with their human companions (handlers) to bring comfort and healing to those in need.
- Raise awareness and educate the public about the role therapy animals play in enhancing the health and well-being of humans.
- Honor the thousands of dedicated handlers who volunteer their time and compassion during visits in a variety of settings including hospitals, pediatric care units, schools, and assisted living facilities.
- Encourage pet owners to become therapy animal teams, creating happier, healthier communities through greater access to safe and meaningful interactions with therapy dogs and other therapy animals.
Have Your Hometown Proclaim April 30 National Therapy Animal Day
Government officials in many cities, counties, and states across America are often happy to pass an annual official proclamation recognizing April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day.
Ask your local officials to celebrate therapy animals, whether you are a volunteer therapy animal team, or someone who has benefitted from therapy animals in their personal life. These proclamations bring public attention to the benefits of interactions with therapy dogs and other therapy animals. They also let people in your community know about the many places where therapy teams can make a difference, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, police or fire stations, courtrooms, and more!
If a proclamation in your community has been made, use these resources to draw attention to it: