About Tails of Joy

Tails Of Joy was established in 1995 by a small group who were making regular pet therapy visits with their companion dogs to area nursing homes.

Since then the Tails Of Joy family has grown considerably and has become a Delta Society Pet Partners Affiliate Group. Members currently visit in a number of facilities and participate in a wide variety of programs with dogs, cats, and rabbits.

TAILS OF JOY MISSION

• To provide a network of dependable, caring volunteers committed to providing a therapeutic benefit through the use of animals to people who need comfort or company
  
• To provide support, training and education to those interested in animal therapy programs
  
• To build connections between volunteers, facilities and individuals seeking animal therapy

Based in the Manchester, Connecticut area, Tails of Joy has members throughout Connecticut and some in Massachusetts. Tails of Joy is a Delta Society Pet Partners® Affiliate Group. Pet Partners® is a national registry that requires volunteer training and screening of animal/handler teams.

Tails of Joy, Inc. is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Contributions to support our programs are tax deductible. If you would like to make a contribution please see our Contact page for address information.

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What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

There are two levels at which therapy visits can be conducted: Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT).

AAA allows the handler and companion animal to make visits to a facility on a social level only. This is a very basic level or "beginners level" and does not involve the companion animal and handler to participate in any goal directed therapy.

In contrast, AAT utilizes a companion animal along with a handler and healthcare professional to administer goal directed treatment to a patient. Goal directed therapy requires that a treatment plan be constructed setting specific goals for the patient involving the companion animal.

Tails Of Joy members use a wide range of animals to provide therapy. Depending on the facility and the members' preferences, visits can be conducted in small groups with their companion animals, or on a one to one basis.

Currently Tails of Joy members make visits throughout Connecticut, including Hartford, Tolland, WIllimantic, Middletown, Winsted, and Westbrook. We are also have members in Massachusetts.

Sites being visited include:

	Children's Facilities
	Nursing Homes
	Rehab Centers
	School Systems for all students, including those with special needs
	Private Visitations, including hospice

Staff members in the health-care facilities we visit and family members of residents in these facilities have reported improvement in the residents' morale and communication after having us visit.
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