Community Therapy Dogs Society

The Community Therapy Dogs Society (CTDS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing community well-being through the therapeutic use of dogs. Established as a registered charity under the Business Registration Number 810933770RR0001, CTDS operates primarily in Alberta, Canada. The society's central mission is encapsulated in its motto: "Helping People, One Dog at a Time."

Mission and Activities

CTDS focuses on adding value to communities by bringing comfort, happiness, and emotional support to individuals via therapy dogs. The organization emphasizes the positive impact that canine therapy has on alleviating stress, combating loneliness, and assisting individuals—especially children—with emotional and behavioral challenges. Canine-assisted therapy through CTDS also aids in improving academic engagement and literacy, particularly in young students.

Programs

The society operates three main programs designed to foster connections between therapy dogs and those in need:

• Listening Tails: Targeting children, especially in school settings, to help improve their focus, behavior, and literacy through interaction with therapy dogs.
• Caring Tails: Facilitating visits to seniors and patients in healthcare facilities to provide comfort and companionship.
• Visiting Tails: Expanding outreach to various community settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and libraries to bring therapeutic animal interactions to a broader audience.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

CTDS is entirely volunteer-run, relying on dedicated volunteers and their trained therapy dogs to deliver visits upon invitation and pre-arrangement. These visits occur in public venues that include schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and libraries, enhancing societal wellbeing at multiple levels.

Recognition and Registration

The Community Therapy Dogs Society has been officially recognized as a registered charity by the Canada Revenue Agency since 2015. This status enables the organization to receive tax-deductible donations and support its mission to improve lives through therapy dog programs.

Impact

Through its initiatives, CTDS targets clients primarily in grades 1 through 8, seniors, and hospital patients, providing emotional relief and creating joyful experiences across diverse populations. The organization actively promotes volunteerism and community donations to sustain and expand its services.

The Community Therapy Dogs Society continues to contribute significantly to Alberta's communities by leveraging the unique bond between humans and dogs to foster healing, happiness, and social connection.