Who We Are?

At Compassionate Care Therapy Canines, we are dedicated to offering thorough education, training, and certification for both dogs and their handlers. Our stringent testing and certification process guarantees that every Therapy Dog Team is equipped with the essential skills and safety protocols to provide effective support to all involved.

Therapy and comfort dogs are instrumental in promoting emotional and physical wellness. These specially trained dogs offer psychological and physiological assistance, interacting with individuals in diverse environments such as hospitals, schools, hospices, and nursing homes, wherever their presence is needed most.

Our Mission

Our Vision

Research indicates that the presence of dogs can significantly benefit children with special needs. Therapy dogs, in particular, are essential in promoting the well-being of individuals across various settings, including hospitals, schools, hospice care, assisted living facilities, and libraries.

We are on a mission to certify 12 more dogs to reach our annual goal of 20. This objective is crucial to address the increasing demand for loving care companions in Humboldt County and its surrounding regions.

Your generous support enables us to offer specialized therapy training for dogs and their owners, completely free for our devoted volunteer therapy dog handlers.

Therapy Dogs utilized to allow children to read to the therapy dog

A Therapy Dog providing compassionate care and emotional comfort to a young patient fighting pediatric cancer.

Compassionate Care Therapy Canines, Inc, is a non-profit 501(3)(c) focused on addressing the needs of individuals who benefit from the therapy dog teams we train and certify. These remarkable dogs visit numerous locations, including hospitals, emergency clinics, assisted living facilities, schools, and libraries, offering compassionate care, comfort and joy to those they meet.

Therapy Canines play a vital role in enhancing various dimensions of human well-being, including physical, social, emotional, and cognitive health, whether in group settings or through one-on-one interactions.

The calming presence and loving nature of therapy dogs are invaluable in providing support to individuals facing a range of challenges.

We greatly appreciate your support for this life changing cause.

Our Amazing All Volunteer Team

Shailes McWan Founder/President

Linda Carlson Secretary/Recruiter

Joshua Bardez Treasure/Recruiter

Young elementary student finding solace with a therapy dog.

A Therapy Dog providing compassionate care and emotional comfort to a young patient fighting pediatric cancer. The dog's presence brings a sense of peace and solace to the child during their difficult battle. This heartwarming interaction between the dog and the patient uplifts spirits and provides a source of strength and hope.

An Overview of the Role of a Therapy Dog:

• Role:

  Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort, affection, and companionship to people in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and hospices.

• Not Service Dogs:

  Therapy dogs are NOT SERVICE DOGS. Therapy Dogs DO NOT have the same special access privileges as service dogs in public places.

• Interaction:

  Therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with a wide range of people and are often petted and cuddled by those they visit to help with their healing process.

• Benefits:

  Interacting with therapy dogs can provide physical and mental health benefits, including reducing anxiety, stress, and promoting relaxation. Read More...

12 Skills Your Dog MUST Master To Become A Certified Therapy Dog Team

(Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog Test)

How I Can Help?

Join us in providing heartfelt care and emotional comfort to those in greatest need through the loving presence of specialized therapy dogs.

Your generous support allows us to provide specialized therapy training free of charge for both dogs and their owners, making a significant difference in our community. This initiative fosters healing and transforms lives throughout Humboldt County and its neighboring areas.