Donkey Therapy USA
Research has shown that spending time with donkeys has enormous therapeutic benefits. For children with disabilities, riding therapy donkeys provides a unique opportunity to improve their strength and coordination as well as boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
Donkeys are naturally calm animals. Their slow and steady presence gives a feeling of security and comfort to the poorly, the elderly and those feeling vulnerable or suffering from emotional difficulties.
Touching, grooming and cuddling donkeys is a great social facilitator, allowing people to relax and feel a sense of nurturing and connection.
DONKEY THERAPY in the USA
Pet Partners Nationwide. Pet Partners is the nation’s largest and most prestigious nonprofit registering handlers of multiple species as volunteer teams providing Animal-Assisted Interactions. With the highest caliber curriculum in the industry, Pet Partners trains volunteers and evaluates them with their pets for visiting animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, veterans’ centers, hospice, Alzheimer’s facilities, courtrooms, schools and other settings.
DONKEY THERAPY in ARIZONA
Painted Promise Ranch Wittmann. Rescue, rehabilitation and sanctuary for miniature horses and donkeys. Adoption programme and therapy animals, helping seniors and memory care residents.
DONKEY THERAPY in COLORADO
Hearts and Horses Loveland.
Horse riding for children with a wide range of disabilities, provided by PATH Intl. Certified therapeutic riding instructors. Equine-assisted therapy, hippotherapy, workshops and therapeutic programmes for individuals and groups.
DONKEY THERAPY in FLORIDA
Piper The Therapy Donkey Piper is a Miniature rescue donkey who is fully trained as a therapy donkey, registered with Pet Partners. She visits hospitals, retirement homes, hospice centers, schools and many other places, bringing compassion and reassurance to those to need it most, brightening people’s days and making them laugh and smile. Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
DONKEY THERAPY in MASSACHUSETTS
Cultivate Care Farms Boston. Farm-based activities with animals, including donkeys, that help create an environment where children with special needs can feel more comfortable with themselves and their surroundings.
Latham Centers Cape Cod. Founded in 1970 to provide residential care, education, and treatment for children ages 8–22. Donkey therapy for intellectually disabled girls and boys with special needs as well as children and adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Massachusetts & New York.
DONKEY THERAPY in MICHIGAN
M&MS Farms Williamston. Therapeutic activities with donkeys, on the farm or at your location, designed to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and stress, and build self-confidence by being around, touching, stroking and handling a donkey.
Donkeys available for special education classes, nursing homes, hospitals and families. Consultations for therapists, educators and those purchasing a donkey or horse for emotional support or physical assistance. Individually tailored packages and full training provided.
DONKEY THERAPY in NEW MEXICO
Equine Spirit Sanctuary Ranchos de Taos. Horses Helping Kids program including therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning for children with special needs.
DONKEY THERAPY in NEW YORK
Thera-Pets, Inc. Schuyler Falls. Thera-Pet, Inc. offers on-site animal assisted programs for children with disabilities, and visitation by appointment to all ages who request a visit at Kickin’ Up Dust Farm. We also offer donkey therapy visits to nursing homes, disabled facilities, veterans, and educational programs. Our mission is to improve the quality of life to people we visit. Our volunteers are trained to help to facilitate interactions. Our donkeys have a perfect temperament, calm, quiet, trusting, and most of all friendly. They are the perfect size to walk up to wheelchairs and bedsides. We are a non-profit and our services are offered free of charge. Additionally we provide support to other local charities, and community events.
Little Brays of Sunshine Hudson Valley. Therapy donkeys and donkey ambassadors visiting nursing homes, schools, fairs, etc. Owned by Steve Stiert who also runs walks and hikes with donkeys.
DONKEY THERAPY in OREGON
The Caring Place Donkey Sanctuary Creswell
Sanctuary promoting ‘The Way of the Donkey’ as an approach to foster the positive empowerment of children and teens. Developing, implementing and evaluating a variety of donkey-assisted life therapy and coaching activities. An approach they call Donkey Enabled Empowerment And Wisdom, or Donkey EEAW! ™
DONKEY THERAPY in PENNSYLVANIA
Youngs Funny Farm Berwick.Therapy donkeys for visits to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, group homes, special needs centers, schools, pre-school, camps, churches and community groups.
DONKEY THERAPY in TEXAS
Peaceful Valley Therapy Donkey San Angelo. Therapy Donkey is a subsidiary of the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, a certified non-profit organization. Fully insured and expertly trained donkeys chosen for their gentle temperament.
Lewis the Therapy Donkey Central Texas. Lewis is a Pet Partners registered miniature therapy donkey who makes regular visits to care homes, libraries, schools and hospitals. He is also available for family celebrations, Palm Sunday and Christmas events. Lewis, a little donkey with a big heart, is the star of the Mr. Lewis series of children’s books, written by his owner Kim Sullivan, a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern with extra training in Animal Assisted Therapy.
ASSISTED THERAPY ORGANISATIONS USA
PATH INTERNATIONAL Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International: global authority, resource and advocate for equine-assisted activities and therapies.
AMERICAN HIPPOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION
ANIMAL-ASSISTED COUNSELING ACADEMY
CENTER FOR HUMAN ANIMAL INTERVENTIONS
THE CHILDREN’S THERAPLAY FOUNDATION
Copyright 2016 Amy Swift
