Causes: Animal-Related, Animals, Human Services, Mental Health, Mental Health & Crisis Intervention, Recreation & Sports, Sports

Mission: DogAbility's mission is to provide innovative canine-assisted experiences, using certified therapy dogs with skilled handlers that afford comfort, inspiration, socialization, education and recreation to better the lives of people of all abilities in the community.

Results: DogAbility evaluates, trains and certifies dogs and owners to become therapy activity teams. These dogs then participate in the educational and recreational program provided for our human participants. The educational aspects include stimulating imagination and curiosity, improving reading and language/verbal skills, following instructions, enhancing socialization and cooperation. The recreational experience includes participation with dogs in elements of canine sports, which encourages playfulness, laughter and exercise, increases energy, mobility, balance and coordination. Additionally, participants derive comfort by experiencing mutual affection from interacting with and developing a bond with a dog. In turn they experience compassion and empathy, enhance their self-esteem, sense of responsibility and feelings of competence.

Target demographics: children and adults with all abilities

Direct beneficiaries per year: hundreds of participants in our program

Geographic areas served: Nassau County, Long Island, New York

Programs: animal-assisted activities, play therapy, fear of dogs, and stress relief for individuals and groups; comfort visits with seniors; educational sessions with Scouts