Led by President Susan Hill | shill@kaninesforkids.help
KANINES FOR KIDS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates on a not-for-profit basis and solely for the public benefit. We are dedicated to connecting children with therapy dogs, creating meaningful bonds that foster emotional healing and provide essential companionship for kids who need it most.
DOSWELL, Virginia
23047-0000
Proudly serving the Virginia community and surrounding areas with our therapy dog programs. Our central location allows us to reach families across the region who need our services most.
At KANINES FOR KIDS, we believe in the transformative power of the human-animal bond. Our mission is simple yet profound: to bring hope, comfort, and healing to children through carefully matched therapy dog partnerships that create lasting positive impact in young lives.
We carefully match certified therapy dogs with children who can benefit from animal-assisted support. Our trained canine companions provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and create safe spaces for emotional expression and healing.
Our programs focus on fostering emotional resilience in children facing challenges. Through gentle interactions with therapy dogs, kids learn coping skills, build confidence, and experience unconditional acceptance.
We extend our services to schools, hospitals, counseling centers, and community organizations, ensuring that children across our region have access to the healing power of therapy animals when they need it most.
Research consistently shows that interactions with therapy animals can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol levels, and increase the production of mood-boosting hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
Children who participate in our programs often show remarkable improvements in their ability to express emotions, build relationships, and cope with difficult situations. The non-judgmental presence of a therapy dog creates a unique environment for healing.
"Every child deserves to experience the pure, unconditional love that only a therapy dog can provide."
One-on-one therapy sessions where children can work through personal challenges with the comforting presence of a trained therapy dog. These sessions are tailored to each child's specific needs and therapeutic goals.
Small group sessions that help children develop social skills while interacting with therapy dogs. These programs foster peer connections and create supportive communities for healing.
Emergency deployment of therapy dog teams to schools and communities affected by trauma. Our rapid response capability provides immediate emotional support when children need it most.
Young lives touched through our therapy dog programs this year
Certified canine companions and their handlers ready to help
Of participating children show improved emotional well-being
Schools, hospitals, and counseling centers we collaborate with
These numbers represent real children whose lives have been touched by the healing power of therapy dogs. Behind each statistic is a story of hope, resilience, and the incredible bond between a child and their four-legged friend.
Your financial contribution helps us train therapy dogs, support our handlers, and expand our reach to more children in need. Every dollar directly impacts a child's healing journey.
Join our team as a therapy dog handler, administrative volunteer, or event coordinator. We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support for all volunteers.
Share our mission with friends, family, and community organizations. Help us connect with more children who could benefit from our therapy dog programs.
If you represent a school, hospital, or counseling center, contact us to explore partnership opportunities that could bring our services to your community.
"After months of anxiety following a family crisis, my 8-year-old daughter Sarah began working with therapy dog Max. Within weeks, we saw her smile return and her confidence rebuild. KANINES FOR KIDS gave us hope when we needed it most."
- Jennifer M., Parent
"Our students have shown remarkable improvement in emotional regulation and classroom engagement since KANINES FOR KIDS began visiting weekly. The therapy dogs create a calm environment that enhances learning for everyone."
- Principal Rodriguez, Elementary School
These stories represent just a glimpse of the profound impact our therapy dogs have on children's lives. Each interaction creates ripples of healing that extend far beyond the initial meeting, touching families, schools, and entire communities.
KANINES FOR KIDS continues to grow and serve more children each year, but we can't do it alone. Whether you're inspired to donate, volunteer, or simply learn more about our work, we invite you to become part of our mission to heal hearts, one wag at a time.
DOSWELL, Virginia
23047-0000
Every child deserves healing
Every dog deserves purpose
KANINES FOR KIDS