Humane Society of Broward County Animal Assisted Therapy Program

Home
United States
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Humane Society of Broward County Animal Assisted Therapy Program

The Animal Assisted Therapy Program is a rewarding experience for you and your companion animal. Thr Evaluations are conducted at the Humane Society.
(9)

Through this program, our AAT teams visit various facilities with their pets. Below are some of the types of facilities we visit:
• Psychiatric Facilities
• Nursing Homes (short & long term care)
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Adult Day Care Centers
• Retirement Homes
• Skilled Nursing Facilities / Homes
• Hospitals
• Hospice
• Alzheimer's & Dementia Facilities

• Residential Senior Groups
• Memory Support Centers
• Mental Health Facilities
• Children's Long Term Care Facilities
• Pediatric In-patient & Intensive Care Units
• Eating Disorder Clinics
• Developmental Pre-schools (children with multiple and severe disabilities)
• Libraries, Private and Public Schools

BASELINE PROGRAM CRITERIA:
• Handlers must be at least 18 years old
• Handlers must have owned their animal for a minimum of one year
• Animals must be one year or older to participate
• Animals must be spayed or neutered
• Animals must be current on vaccinations
• Animals must be non-aggressive in all situations towards humans and other animals
• Animals must be interested in people
• Animals must be well-behaved (i.e.: walks well on a leash without pulling, doesn't jump up, adheres to basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, come and heel)

HOW TO GET STARTED IN ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY (AAT):
First you will need to attend the Humane Society of Broward County's Volunteer Orientation. Volunteer Orientation is scheduled through our Volunteer Services Department at 954.266.6814. Once you have completed the Volunteer Orientation, you will be required to attend a 2 hour AAT class without your animal. This class will teach you all about our Animal Assisted Therapy Program and what skill requirements both you and your animal must possess in order to be considered for our program. After the AAT course is completed, you and your animal might require further training. Training is determined by the type of program you and your animal will be participating in, and what skill sets you and your animal have or need to have in order to participate. AAT Advanced Obedience Training classes are held at the Humane Society and are scheduled once a week for 6 weeks. The Manager of the AAT program will decide if you and your animal require further training before being evaluated for the program. If further training is not required, you will be scheduled for your evaluation. The meeting, inclusive of the evaluation will take approximately 1 ½ hours. Volunteers will need to provide a copy of their animals updated veterinarian records showing all vaccinations were administered at the time of the training class and/or the evaluation. If you have multiple pets the requirement is one pet per handler. You may have multiple pets evaluated and if they pass you will be required to only bring one pet per visit. You may rotate your pets as necessary. If you have multiple pets and more than one handler, each pet and handler may be evaluated separately for the program. The Certification fee for this program is $80.00 or $100.00 depending on which option best fits your needs. The Certification fee covers the cost for the materials and equipment you will need to volunteer in this program. The Certification fee is non-refundable. If you are interested in joining our AAT program, please contact the Humane Society directly at 954.266.6856 or email us at [email protected].

05/17/2022

Our therapy dogs had a great visit with the staff at this week during mental health awareness month.

04/12/2022

Our therapy dogs Willow, Zoe and Max having a blast with the kids on Sensory Saturday’s

This enriching experience let’s kids interact with safe, trained therapy dogs.

Come visit us

03/26/2022

Today we visited Camp Erin with our therapy dogs. We do this event every year. It's very rewarding and such a nice way to give back with the love of our therapy dogs.

Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers who attend this event with their fantastic, loving therapy dogs ♥

Camp Erin is a bereavement camp for children who have lost a loved one to a terminal illness. Our therapy dogs played with the children and gave them lots of good doggie loving! This weekend-long camp provides a safe setting to assist children with their grief. Camp Erin is free and open to all children in the community who are experiencing uncomplicated grief as a result of the death of a loved one. Children take part in activities designed to help them cope with their grief.

03/15/2022

Our therapy dogs Willow and Bailey having a blast with the kids on Sensory Saturday’s! This enriching experience let’s kids interact with safe, trained therapy dogs. Come visit us

02/16/2022

Our therapy dogs having a blast with the kids on Sensory Saturday’s! This enriching experience let’s kids interact with safe, trained therapy dogs. Come visit us

02/15/2022

On Monday, February 14, 2022, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and communities across Broward County will host A Day of Service and Love in commemoration of the 17 lives lost and those injured as a result of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018.

Therapy dogs Sadie and Zoe visited Hollywood Hills High school and attended their Day of Service and Love.

At 10:17 a.m., we along with BCPS observed a moment of reflection in honor of the 17 lives lost.

02/14/2022

On Monday, February 14, 2022, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and communities across Broward County will host A Day of Service and Love in commemoration of the 17 lives lost and those injured as a result of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018.

Therapy dogs Bodhi and Willow visited Lakeside Elementary school and attended their Day of Service and Love. We participated in their Peace Rock Garden made in loving memory of Sophia.

At 10:17 a.m., we along with BCPS observed a moment of reflection in honor of the 17 lives lost.

Broward County Public Schools

CBS4 News Special Report of moment of silence for those who died in Parkland shooting.

02/14/2022

On Monday, February 14, 2022, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and communities across Broward County will host A Day of Service and Love in commemoration of the 17 lives lost and those injured as a result of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018.

Therapy dogs Bodhi and Willow visited Lakeside Elementary school and attended their Day of Service and Love. We participated in their Peace Rock Garden made in loving memory of Sophia.

At 10:17 a.m., we along with BCPS observed a moment of reflection in honor of the 17 lives lost.

https://cbsloc.al/3JsuNQ2

Monday, February 14th, marks four years since the tragedy in Parkland.

02/14/2022

On Monday, February 14, 2022, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and communities across Broward County will host A Day of Service and Love in commemoration of the 17 lives lost and those injured as a result of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018.

Therapy dogs Bodhi and Willow visited Lakeside Elementary school and attended their Day of Service and Love. We participated in their Peace Rock Garden made in loving memory of Sophia.

At 10:17 a.m., we along with BCPS observed a moment of reflection in honor of the 17 lives lost.

Broward County Public Schools

02/14/2022

There are no words only deep sadness and grief. We will ❤ 2.14.18 ❤

Alyssa Alhadeff, age 14
Scott Beigel, 35
Martin Duque, 14
Nicholas Dworet, 17
Aaron Feis, 37
Jaime Guttenberg, 14
Chris Hixon, 49
Luke Hoyer, 15
Cara Loughran, 14
Gina Montalto, 14
Joaquin Oliver, 17
Alaina Petty, 14
Meadow Pollack, 18
Helena Ramsay, 17
Alex Schachter, 14
Carmen Schentrup, 16
Peter Wang, 15

01/31/2022

As COVID-19 continues to impact our society, the Humane Society of Broward County needs your help now, more than ever before. This unforeseen circumstance has reminded us that connection and advocacy within the community is crucial.

For over 31 years, the Walk for the Animals has served as the Humane Society of Broward County's largest annual fundraiser. By donating to the Walk, you are helping thousands of animals that come through their doors each year. Every dollar supports them as they provide veterinary care, food, shelter and much much more to every animal they see.

We hope you will consider donating to the Walk and supporting the tremendous work of the Humane Society of Broward County.

Thank you so much.

https://humanebroward.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.team&teamID=7096

The Humane Society of Broward County's Walk for the Animals will be held on March 5, 2022. Help us build a Humane Community and help the animals by being a part of it. You can visit us and learn more at Walk4theAnimals.com. Register today as an individual walker, start a Pack or walk virtually. You....

01/20/2022

This past year brought many tears as we lost some of our most tenured and loving therapy dogs. We remember them with love in hearts for all they did to bring joy, comfort and resilience to our community over the years. We will never forget their dedication to our AAT program. Our hearts and prayers are with their families.

01/18/2022

Our therapy dogs are onsite at Lakeside Elementary school this week providing grief support to the faculty and students after a heartbreaking tragedy that took the life of one of their second grade students. Our deepest condolences to the family and Lakeside Elementary.

01/13/2022

Our therapy dogs are onsite at Lakeside Elementary school this week and next week providing grief support to the faculty and students after a heartbreaking tragedy that took the life of one of their second grade students.

Today, Sadie a 7 year old second grade student got to meet therapy dog Sadie 💜🐶💜
Our deepest condolences to the Lakeside Elementary school family.

01/12/2022

01/04/2022

Our therapy dogs are onsite this week at providing grief support to the faculty and students after the sudden and heartbreaking passing of one of their beloved teachers over the winter break. Our deepest condolences.

12/08/2021

Join us and learn all about Canine, Feline and Environmental Enrichment activities. We will discuss how through the use of enrichment activities dogs and cats are provided with choices, cognitive challenges, physical activity and environmental stimulus. Studies have shown that some pets had an increase in relaxation behaviors such as resting, lying down, improved cognition, and a decrease in stress related and destructive behaviors such as barking, chewing, etc.

Do you have a bored dog or a crazy cat? Are you looking to stop unwanted behaviors like digging, chewing and barking? Join us and learn all about Canine, Feline and Environmental Enrichment activities. We will discuss how through the use of enrichment activities dogs and cats are provided with choic...

11/30/2021

In loving memory of sweet therapy animals.

11/16/2021

Learn more about the dog training services offered by HumaneK9 Dog Training and how you and your dog can become a certified therapy dog team.

This episode of Dateline Health is about the benefits of training your furry friend. Guests:Marni BellaviaHumaneK9 Dog Training LLC / Owner and TrainerHumane...

10/25/2021

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to sweet Bentley. Bentley was a therapy dog for the past 7 years and volunteered in many capacities including volunteering with our senior community and with children at the library and school in our Wags & Tales Reading Program.

Most recently, Bentley was certified in our Canines for Community Resilience Program and worked beside other therapy dogs in our program to help provide loving support to our community.

He worked tirelessly alongside his mom Pamela visiting the students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Dougals High School. Bentley will be greatly missed by everyone. Our deepest condolences to his family.

10/25/2021

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to sweet Katie. Katie alongside her mom Terry volunteered with children at the Alvin Sherman library in our Wags & Tales Reading Program. They also participated in various community events. Katie will be greatly missed by everyone. Our deepest condolences to her family.

10/25/2021

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to handsome Elvis. Elvis alongside his dad John volunteered in many capacities including working in the community at special events to raise awareness about the Humane Society's programs and services, most notably with children. They spent lots of time teaching children how to meet and greet a dog safely. Elvis will be greatly missed by everyone. Our deepest condolences to his family.

10/25/2021

Saturday we visited Camp Erin with our therapy dogs. We do this event every year. It's very rewarding and such a nice way to give back with the love of our therapy dogs. Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers who attend this event with their fantastic, loving therapy dogs ♥

Camp Erin is a bereavement camp for children who have lost a loved one to a terminal illness. Our therapy dogs played with the children and gave them lots of good doggie loving! This weekend-long camp provides a safe setting to assist children with their grief. Camp Erin is free and open to all children in the community who are experiencing uncomplicated grief as a result of the death of a loved one. Children take part in activities designed to help them cope with their grief.

10/11/2021

Therapy dog Toby visits with the kids at Ft. Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center and shares some furry fun.

09/12/2021

08/07/2021

Today we visited Camp Erin with our therapy dogs. We do this event every year. It's very rewarding and such a nice way to give back with the love of our therapy dogs. Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers who attend this event with their fantastic, loving therapy dogs ♥

Camp Erin is a bereavement camp for children who have lost a loved one to a terminal illness. Our therapy dogs played with the children and gave them lots of good doggie loving! This weekend-long camp provides a safe setting to assist children with their grief. Camp Erin is free and open to all children in the community who are experiencing uncomplicated grief as a result of the death of a loved one. Children take part in activities designed to help them cope with their grief.

06/09/2021

FREE!! Registration is open. Join us http://broward.libnet.info/event/4881676

Trick training is a fantastic way to bond with your dog, it's mentally stimulating for dogs, enjoyable for owners and can take place anytime, anywhere! Join us to learn about teaching dogs tricks.

06/05/2021

We’re so happy to be back in our community spreading love and joy to our healthcare workers.

dogs

06/03/2021

FREE! Registration is open. Join us http://broward.libnet.info/event/4881676

Trick training is a fantastic way to bond with your dog, it's mentally stimulating for dogs, enjoyable for owners and can take place anytime, anywhere! Join us to learn about teaching dogs tricks.

Address

2070 Griffin Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL
33312

Telephone

+19542666877

Website

https://humanebroward.com/programs/animal-assisted-therapy/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Humane Society of Broward County Animal Assisted Therapy Program posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Humane Society of Broward County Animal Assisted Therapy Program:

Videos

Karma who was trained to be a therapy dog by @humanek9 volunteers in hospitals and brings joy to the hospital nurses during Nurses Week. Sound on! It’s Nurses Week and our therapy dogs spent the morning sharing joy, love and snuggles. Thank you to our amazing nurses for all you do for our community! Karma has a special message for you. #karmamagicalunicorn #nursesweek #nursesweek2021 #healthcareworkers #browardhealth #browardhealthcoralsprings #therapydogs #therapydogsofinstagram #humanek9dogtraining #aathsbroward

Sound up! It’s Nurses Week and our therapy dogs spent the morning sharing joy, love and snuggles. Thank you to our amazing nurses for all you do for our community! Willow has a special message for you. #karmamagicalunicorn #willowjade #nursesweek #nursesweek2021 #healthcareworkers #browardhealth #browardhealthcoralsprings #therapydogs #therapydogsofinstagram #humanek9dogtraining #aathsbroward

It’s Nurses Week and our therapy dogs spent the morning sharing joy, love and snuggles. Thank you to our amazing nurses for all you do for our community! #karmamagicalunicorn #willowjade #nursesweek #nursesweek2021 #healthcareworkers #browardhealth #browardhealthcoralsprings #therapydogs #therapydogsofinstagram #humanek9dogtraining #aathsbroward Marni Ivy Bellavia HumaneK9 Dog Training Broward Health

Zoomie Program!

Meet Karma, one of our therapy dogs who participates in our Zoomie Program. See why everyone is talking about it. Join the fun! During these difficult times, our AAT team has gone virtual. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a graduation or attending your next company meeting, the Humane Society’s Animal Assisted Therapy team is ready to add a little paws-itivity to your video conference. https://humanebroward.com/zoomies/ Marni Ivy Bellavia

What’s Therapy Dog Jackie up to?

Therapy Dog Jackie and her mom Susan miss the children at the library who participate in our Wags & Tales Reading Program. They send a #warm #fuzzy #therapygram to all the children that come to the libraries and schools to read to with our therapy dogs. Jackie misses visiting all of the fabulous kids and hopes you are all reading to your pets and stuffed animals at home. #socialdistancing #virtualvisits #stayconnected #therapydogsheal #resilience #kids #children #kidsanddogs #literacy #readtoadog #therapydog #crisisdog #spreadinglove #spreadingcheer #showyourlove #caninesforcommunityresilience #humanecommunity #hsbroward #humananimalbond #aathsbroward #wagsandtales

NSU Stress Relief day!

In loving memory of the 17 Angels who were killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018

In loving memory of the 17 victims killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school we dedicate this brick in your memory. #msdstrong #wewillneverforget #17angels

In Loving Memory of the 17 Victims in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Shooting

In loving memory of the 17 victims killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school we dedicate this brick in your memory. #msdstrong #wewillneverforget #17angels Brittany Mazzurco Muscato Marni Ivy Bellavia Humane Society of Broward County

Therapy dogs bringing stress relief to the pharmacy school students at Nova Southeastern University.

Full video on our page We are honored to receive this generous donation in honor of Marjory Stoneman Douglas victim, Jaime Guttenberg. Jaime used to attend camp here years ago, and her mother has started a charity to give back to the causes that were close to Jaime's heart. We know she will forever be in ours. It's times like this when you are overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you to the Guttenberg family and Jaime's friends for these incredible donations to our shelter. Our Canines for Community Resilience program just became ORANGE STRONG in Jaime's honor. We love and miss you Jaime. @orangeribbonsforjaime #orangeribbonsforjaime #jaimeguttenberg #guttenberg #donations #msdstrong #orangestrong #jaimestrong #gratitude #caninesforcommunityresilience #communityoutreach #humanecommunity #therapydogs #showyourlove #hsbroward #humanebroward #aathsbroward

Senior Snuggle Day!

Therapy dog Gracey visiting the seniors at the Daniel Cantor Senior Center. Free snuggles!

Lyla plays #fetch with #therapydog JR. We #adore this #meltyourheart moment. #superschool #dogsandkids #kidsanddogs #autism #autismspeaks #autismawareness #disabilities #motivation #smilesonkidsfaces #communityoutreach #showyourlove #humanecommunity #hsbroward #aathsbroward #humanebroward

Tactile Training - Canines for Community Resilience Program

Canines for Community Resilience therapy dogs and some potential therapy dogs being trained on tactile skills during their exposure training. The Canines for Community Resilience teams spent Saturday morning at the Miramar Fire Rescue station getting exposure training during critical incidents. The City of Miramar Fire Rescue has partnered with the HSBC Canines for Community Resilience teams to work together and help desensitize the dogs to the many sights, sounds and scents they may experience on emergency scenes. The handlers also received training on how to handle their dog during critical incidents and emergencies. Miramar Fire-Rescue Humane Society of Broward County

Canines for Community Resilience Training - Tactile Skills

Canines for Community Resilience dogs being trained on tactile skills during their exposure training. The Canines for Community Resilience teams spent Saturday morning at the Miramar Fire Rescue station getting exposure training during critical incidents. The City of Miramar Fire Rescue has partnered with the HSBC Canines for Community Resilience teams to work together and help desensitize the dogs to the many sights, sounds and scents they may experience on emergency scenes. The handlers also received training on how to handle their dog during critical incidents and emergencies. Marni Ivy Bellavia

Shortcuts

Our Story

The purpose of the HSBC’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program is to build a humane community while providing unconditional love, embracing the human-animal bond and establishing loving connections.

The Animal Assisted Therapy Program is a rewarding experience for you and your companion animal. Through this program, our AAT teams visit various facilities with their pets. Below are some of the types of facilities we visit: • Psychiatric Facilities • Nursing Homes (short & long term care) • Assisted Living Facilities • Rehabilitation Centers • Adult Day Care Centers • Retirement Homes • Skilled Nursing Facilities / Homes • Hospitals • Hospice • Alzheimer's & Dementia Facilities • Residential Senior Groups • Memory Support Centers • Mental Health Facilities • Children's Long Term Care Facilities • Pediatric In-patient & Intensive Care Units • Eating Disorder Clinics • Developmental Pre-schools (children with multiple and severe disabilities) • Libraries, Private and Public Schools BASELINE PROGRAM CRITERIA: • Handlers must be at least 18 years old • Handlers must have owned their animal for a minimum of one year • Animals must be one year or older to participate • Animals must be spayed or neutered • Animals must be current on vaccinations • Animals must be non-aggressive in all situations towards humans and other animals • Animals must be interested in people • Animals must be well-behaved (i.e.: walks well on a leash without pulling, doesn't jump up, adheres to basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, come and heel) How to Become an Animal Assisted Therapy Team (AAT)

Please contact the Volunteer Department at 954-266-6814 to register for our Animal Assisted Therapy Program Orientation (without your animal). This class will teach you all about our Animal Assisted Therapy Program and what skill requirements both you and your animal must possess in order to be considered for our program.

If further training is not required, you will be scheduled for your evaluation. The meeting, inclusive of the evaluation will take approximately 1 ½ hours. Evaluations are conducted at various locations in Broward County. Volunteers will need to provide a copy of their animal’s updated veterinarian records showing all vaccinations were administered at the time of the evaluation.