About Ottawa Therapy Dogs

Mission, Goals and Values

Our Mission Statement

Ottawa Therapy Dogs promotes an understanding of the values and benefits (enhanced physical, emotional and communication abilities) of the animal-human bond by offering a mutually beneficial and safe interaction with companion animals.

Our Goals

To provide quality animal-assisted activity and animal-assisted therapy programs in health care setting such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, mental health programs, nursing and retirement homes and day programs.
To coordinate, support, train and provide continuing education to therapy dog volunteers.
To promote understanding of the value and benefits of therapy dog programs through educational presentations and seminars to the public.
To establish and maintain a therapy dog organization, demonstrating stability with strong administration and leadership for members and the community.

Our Values

Good Citizenship

We will offer high quality care for those we serve by providing therapy dog teams that are well-trained, respectful and courteous.

Privacy

As volunteers, we will respect the right of every individual during our therapy dog visits to confidentiality in regard to personal and medical matters.

Collaboration

We will work in partnership with hospitals, nursing homes, schools, retirement homes and other institutions within the Ottawa region, adhering to their values and ethics.

Respect

We will act in a respectful manner during all therapy dog visits, including respect for those who chose not to visit with a therapy dog.

Companionship

We will offer companionship and friendship during all therapy dog visits.