National Therapy Animal Day

National Therapy Animal Day celebrates the special connection between people and animals trained to bring comfort. These animals, often dogs, visit hospitals, schools, and care homes.

They sit beside patients, listen to children read, and offer calm in stressful moments. Their presence can ease anxiety, lift moods, and even lower blood pressure. Handlers, who guide these animals, volunteer their time to help others feel less alone.​

The impact of therapy animals reaches across ages and situations. Children facing medical treatments find courage in their furry companions. Elderly individuals in nursing homes smile more during visits.

Students stressed by exams relax when petting a gentle dog. These animals don’t judge or rush; they simply offer their presence. In times of crisis, their quiet support can be a powerful source of healing.​

How to Celebrate National Therapy Animal Day

National Therapy Animal Day offers a chance to honor the animals and handlers who bring comfort and joy to many. Here are some engaging ways to celebrate and spread awareness.​

Share Stories Online

Post photos or videos of therapy animals you’ve met. Write about how they made a difference.

Use hashtags like #NationalTherapyAnimalDay to reach more people. Creative expressions, such as drawings or poems, can also highlight their impact.​

Host a Fundraiser

Organize a bake sale or craft fair to support therapy animal programs. Funds raised can help train more animal-handler teams. Even a small event can make a big difference.

Consider partnering with local businesses for greater reach.​

Visit Local Facilities

Coordinate with hospitals, schools, or care homes to arrange therapy animal visits. These interactions can uplift patients, students, and residents.

Ensure all safety guidelines are followed during visits. Such experiences can be deeply rewarding for everyone involved.​

Educate Your Community

Set up informational booths at community centers or libraries. Distribute pamphlets about the benefits of therapy animals. Invite handlers to speak about their experiences. Educational efforts can inspire others to get involved.​

Pamper Your Pet

While not all pets are therapy animals, they still provide comfort and companionship. Treat your pet to a special day with their favorite activities.

A new toy or an extra-long walk can show appreciation. Recognizing their role in your life is a heartfelt way to celebrate.​

History of National Therapy Animal Day

National Therapy Animal Day began in 2015. Pet Partners, a U.S. nonprofit group, created it to recognize animals that bring comfort to people. These animals, along with their trained handlers, visit hospitals, schools, libraries, and care homes.

They help ease stress, brighten moods, and offer quiet companionship during hard times. The goal of the day is also to help more people learn about the value of therapy animals and the work they do in many communities.

Pet Partners registers a variety of animals for this work. Dogs are the most common, but cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, horses, and even llamas are also involved.

The organization sets clear guidelines to make sure each animal-handler team is prepared and safe. Over the years, their program has grown to include teams across the country.

These volunteers give their time freely, often visiting people who feel lonely or overwhelmed. National Therapy Animal Day brings attention to their kindness and reminds us how deeply animals can affect our well-being.

With more support, more teams can help even more people. The day stands as a simple but powerful way to say thank you to these quiet helpers who bring calm wherever they go.

Need some inspiration?

Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!