Canine Therapy

The Canine-Human Bond

The canine-human bond…. Animal-assisted therapy has proven benefits based on modern scientific research. Researchers have found a direct connection between interacting with animals and enjoying positive health benefits. These animal therapy benefits include mental health, physical health and skill improvement.

Canine Presence offers specialized therapy programs to adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Canine Presence facilitators will implement classroom programs for canine care and good canine citizens social skills. Additional emphasis will be on job skill development including integration of ISP cross-functional objectives.

1 Reference THE HEALING POWER OF ANIMALS: BENEFITS OF ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY Husson University July 20, 2022

Canine Presence Community Outreach Events

Horace Mann Educational Associates

HMEA’s Day Habilitation Program promotes independent living, good health, and a satisfying life. The program fosters community integration, relationship building, social and communication skills, and daily living and recreational activities.

HMEA’s Employment Services – Franklin provides adults with autism and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to explore career opportunities, learn new skills, and find employment. We offer a wide range of programs including vocational skills assessment, career planning, resume development, soft skill training, job identification, placement, and on-site job coaching.

Canine Presence Facilitator Team Goals:

  • Implement classroom animal-assisted activities; Pet based therapeutic modalities used to improve physical, emotional, and social functioning.
  • Primary – Visitations by team, Certified Facilitator/Guardian and Credentialed Therapy Pets. Goals: reduced anxiety and stress, improved general well-being, increase tactile contact, improve socialization.
  • Coaching / Training – “Hands On” Animal-Assisted Therapy. Goals: improve strength, Range-of-Motion, balance, memory, speech functional abilities.
  • Job Development – Canine care, dog walking, Good Canine Citizen handling specific programs for job placement/standards.