Providing Therapeutic Benefit to People
Through the Use of Animals

Tails of Joy members volunteer throughout Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties and neighboring towns in Connecticut.

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Tails of Joy Programs

Animal Assisted Therapy

There are two levels at which animal therapy visits can be conducted: Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT).

AAA allows the handler and companion animal to make visits to a facility on a social level only. This is a basic level of interaction and does not involve the companion animal and handler to participate in any goal directed therapy. Depending on the facility and the members' preferences, visits can be conducted in small groups with their companion animals, or on a one to one basis.

In contrast, AAT utilizes a companion animal along with a handler and healthcare professional to administer goal directed treatment to a patient. Goal directed therapy requires that a treatment plan be constructed setting specific goals for the patient involving the companion animal.

Read more about Animal Assisted Therapy

Reading Program

Animal reading programs use therapy animals to improve the literacy skills of children.

Read more about Reading Program

Animal Assisted Crisis Response Teams

If your community suffers a crisis the Tails of Joy Animal Assisted Crisis Response Teams are here to help! TOJ has a select group of experienced registered therapy dogs and specially trained handlers who are available to provide comfort and support to your community while you recover from a sudden loss or tragedy.

Read more about Animal Assistance Crisis Response Teams

Team Evaluations

Tails of Joy sponsors evaluations for Intermountain Therapy Animals and Pet Partners® Teams. Evaluations are conducted by our member licensed evaluators with the volunteer assistance of our members.

Read more about Therapy Team Evaluations

Animal Assisted Therapy Dog Training Classes

Tails of Joy sponsors Therapy Dog Classes that help you and your dog prepare for animal assisted activity (AAA) commonly known as pet therapy. These classes will acquaint you with different aspects of pet therapy and help you develop the team skills required to pass the aptitude and skills portions of the Intermountain Therapy Animal or Pet Partners® evaluation, part of the registration process.

Read more about Therapy Dog Training Class