Happy Tails Pet Therapy

One visit from a friendly furry face can turn a difficult day into a moment of joy.

Happy Tails volunteer teams provide physical, social, emotional, and cognitive therapy to people of all ages across metro Atlanta. We visit hospitals, assisted living communities, schools, and behavioral health centers,bringing the healing power of animal-assisted interactions to those who need it most.

Our most popular and most common form of therapy interaction. Our members and their pets visit hospitals, nursing homes, behavioral facilities, and rehabilitation centers. The visits are informal and help people who are away from home due to mental illness, physical illness or court order. A visit from a dog or cat can brighten the day and motivate them in their therapy or treatment.

Pets are used in conjunction with physical and occupational therapy sessions. They are paired with a client and a professional healthcare or human services professional who has a goal sheet for each visit. Tasks a pet can help achieve include gaining motion in limbs and fine motor control.

Nationally registered pet and owner therapy teams volunteer at schools and libraries as reading companions for children. This allows children to practice their reading skills in a safe space free of judgment and criticism.

Happy Tails therapy visits reduce stress and anxiety, support physical rehabilitation goals, and bring joy and connection to patients, students, families, and care teams.