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National Therapy Animal Day

National Therapy Animal Day is a special day dedicated to honoring the incredible animals that bring comfort, healing, and joy to people in need. Whether they visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or disaster areas, therapy animals provide emotional support and companionship, making a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals.

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When is National Therapy Animal Day?

National Therapy Animal Day is celebrated every year on April 30.

Launched in 2015 by Pet Partners, the nation’s leading organization registering therapy animals for animal-assisted interventions, this pet holiday recognizes the positive impact therapy animals make, and they invite you to share your story and celebrate your therapy animal while highlighting the important contributions made in your community.

How to Participate

You can celebrate National Therapy Animal Day in various ways:

  • Recognize Therapy Teams: If you know a therapy animal and their handler, take a moment to thank them for their service. A simple note of appreciation or a small gift can go a long way in showing your gratitude.
  • Share Stories: Spread the word about the impact of therapy animals by sharing stories and photos on social media using the hashtag #NationalTherapyAnimalDay. Highlight the difference these animals make in the lives of those they visit.
  • Support Organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations like Pet Partners that train and support therapy animal teams. Your contributions can help expand the reach of therapy animals to more people in need.
  • Learn More: Educate yourself and others about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy. Understanding the vital role these animals play can help promote the importance of their work.

National Therapy Animal Day is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable bond between humans and animals and to recognize the incredible work of therapy animals and their handlers. Whether you’re a pet owner, a therapy animal handler, or someone who has benefited from a therapy animal’s presence, this day is a reminder of the power of compassion and connection.