Organization Summary
East Central Therapy Dogs volunteers and their dogs visit PRHC, Hospice, long term care homes, retirement homes and VON Day programs in Peterborough, Millbrook and Lakefield to provide comfort and friendship to our clients.
Key Activities
East Central Therapy Dogs’s Mission / Vision
East Central Therapy Dogs’ mandate is to bring the unconditional love of our dogs to our clients in the community who can benefit from a friendly visit. Our motto is ‘We’re there to care.’
About Us
East Central Therapy Dogs have been visiting in the Peterborough area since 2002. We visit long term care and retirement homes in Peterborough, Millbrook and Lakefield, VON day programs, Hospice Peterborough and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. We also provide special visits at Fleming College, Trent University and area high schools at exam time and give presentations to other service organizations and community groups.
All dogs are temperament tested before being accepted into the program. Evaluations are held in the spring and the fall. Handlers must commit to a weekly visit at their assigned facility and attend an orientation session before their initial visit. Teams are assessed on their ability to provide safe, therapeutic care to our clients.
Our program is self-supporting, funded by our annual calendar sales. Funds provide uniforms and leashes to our teams and insurance coverage to our clients.
We currently have 50 members but are always looking for new recruits so we can share even more love in our communities. We provide a unique opportunity to volunteer with your dog and make a difference in the lives of our friends. For more information or to register for the next evaluation, please go to our website www.ectd.ca