Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
About Canine Concierge Corporation. Our mission is to provide outstanding animal-assisted therapy for individuals in need.
Canine Concierge is on a mission to spread hope and healing through the incredible power of animal-assisted therapy (AAT)! We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s fueled by the generosity of philanthropists, grants, sponsors, and kind-hearted donors who believe in the transformative impact of therapy dogs. Thanks to this support, we’re able to bring our specially trained and certified therapy dogs, along with their compassionate handlers, to hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, senior facilities, and police stations—completely free of charge. This means more people in Fairfax County and beyond can experience the profound, life-changing benefits of AAT.
Our therapy dogs do more than bring smiles—they bring scientifically proven health benefits! With each visit, they’re helping lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and support recovery from serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and seizures. For individuals coping with PTSD, trauma, or simply the loneliness that sometimes accompanies aging, our therapy dogs are a source of unconditional love, calm, and companionship. They’re experts at relieving stress and creating moments of genuine connection, helping people feel less isolated and more hopeful.
Every session our therapy dogs provide is a chance to brighten someone’s day and improve their health, one wag at a time. Our dogs offer comfort to those who are grieving, encouragement to those who are healing, and joy to those who just need a friend. It’s these small, heartfelt moments that make a big difference, creating ripples of happiness and well-being throughout our community.
At Canine Concierge Corporation, we believe everyone deserves the warmth, comfort, and healing only a therapy dog can provide. We’re proud to be making AAT accessible to all, and we’re thrilled to continue expanding this vital service with each new supporter who joins our cause!
Unleash Hope with Canine Concierge’s Animal-Assisted Therapy
Our Story Begins with a Heartfelt Tribute
Our journey was sparked by a deeply personal and transformative moment—a tragedy that led to a powerful purpose. After the sudden euthanasia of ‘Leo,’ our founder’s beloved Kuwaiti rescue dog, we set out to honor his memory by creating something truly meaningful. Today, Canine Concierge Corporation is dedicated to offering the healing power of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) to our Fairfax County, VA community, free of charge.
Our Mission: Healing Through Connection
Animals have an extraordinary ability to connect with us on a profound level, bringing comfort, joy, and healing. At Canine Concierge, we are committed to enhancing lives and lifting spirits through AAT. With the support of kind-hearted donors, we bring therapy dogs to hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, rehabilitation facilities, and even police stations across Fairfax, VA—places where the impact of these visits is truly life-changing. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are transparent, accountable, and fueled by compassion.
What is AAT?
- The Broad Impact of Animal-Assisted Therapy
- Animal-Assisted Therapy in Dental Practices
- Animal Therapy in Autism
- Animal-Assisted Therapy for Older Adults
- Systematic Review of Animal-Assisted Therapy’s Impact on Well-Being
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA)
Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)
What is AAT/AAA?
What is AAI?
U.S. Testimonials & Impact Stories
Atlanta, GA:
https://www.ajc.com/life/health/therapy-dogs-soothe-sick-kids-and-staff-at-childrens-healthcare/33X5TPKNHZBE7JGJHSA4WYXWFY/
Baltimore, MD:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/johns-hopkins-brings-therapy-dogs-into-icu
Nashville, TN:
https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/nation-world/therapy-dogs-cheer-up-patients-in-nashville-hospital/507-043126f6-be53-4bd1-a6e1-887fa5664849
Los Angeles, CA:
https://www.chla.org/blog/hospital-programs/one-straight-year-therapy-dogs
AFB Idaho: https://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/News/Article/425686/therapy-dogs-bring-joy-to-all/
Ann Arbor, MI:
https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/therapy-dog-brings-joy-hospital-patients-one-wag-time
Dothan, AL:
https://dothaneagle.com/news/local/dogs-bring-smiles-to-hospital-patients-at-samc/article_fd51eb90-62f4-11e5-927f-77f96a9c693c.html
Boston, MA:
https://bwhbulletin.org/2019/10/10/paws-itive-energy-brigham-expands-pet-therapy-program/
Cleveland, OH:
https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/paging-dr-spot
San Antonio, TX:
https://hcahealthcaretoday.com/2019/09/30/hca-healthcare-unleashes-healing-power-animals/
The Best Therapy Dogs, According to Experts
Golden Retriever versus Labrador Retriever: Which is Better”
An A.I. Artificial Intelligence Adaptation 2023 of Original Video 2022
ORIGINAL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MklSu-LyoRs&t=21s
has selected 
Golden Retrievers for AAT service.
American Kennel Club (AKC) Therapy Dog Program is an excellent initiative that aligns with the principles of animal assisted therapy.
Spending time with dogs can relieve stress — and help you concentrate too, scientists say. The impact of animal assisted therapy in such cases is significant.
https://nypost.com/2024/03/13/lifestyle/spending-time-with-a-dog-can-help-to-relieve-stress-study/
Podcast Krista Bo (host) | CLICK TO LISTEN
00:02:04
Therapy dogs are helping some elementary school students in Tennessee get better at their reading ahead of their big statewide exam. The program’s called Reading Paws for struggling students get to read to their furry friends weekly to improve focus and build confidence. Harper and Nico told CNN affiliate WSMV they love reading to a black lab named Lucas. Such instances of animal assisted therapy are proving effective.
Harper
00:02:25
It makes me feel good because I have something that’s with me.
Nico
00:02:30
You don’t have to be scared to read it because I just picture my dog beside me and never give up.
Krista Bo (host)
00:02:35
Now Tennessee wants to train more dogs to cover even more classrooms because of how much of a difference it’s making through animal assisted therapy!
