Log Dog Therapy and Service Dogs

The Log Dog Therapy and Service Dogs Program works with a professional dog trainer to train dogs and their humans for therapy and service dog work. We work to increase independence and empower child and adult victims of violence, veterans, elders, and people with disabilities with well- trained dogs. We currently have a training yard in Waynesville, NC to assist in learning and practicing skills.

Helpful Definitions

Therapy Dogs are trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in a variety of settings. Typical settings are hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, and health care settings. Vests or bandannas are worn to identify therapy dogs while working in the community. These dogs are not allowed access to public areas. Our Log Dog Therapy team provides therapy dogs at local agencies and incorporate animal-assisted therapy into our Children Exposed to Violence program

Service Dogs are individually trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a medically documented disability. These dogs are federally protected under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) to accompany their person into public places such as restaurants, movie theaters, and stores.

Emotional Support Dogs are dogs that provide comfort and support in forms of affection and companionship for an individual with a medically documented mental or emotional condition. These dogs are not legally required to perform tasks. They are not considered service dogs so are not allowed access to public places, but they can live in housing (Fair Housing Amendment Act- FHAA) or fly with their individual (Air Carrier Access Act- ACAA)
Animal Assisted Therapy involves intentionally engaging animals in treatment to assist in improving mental, emotional, behavioral symptoms as a result of experiencing trauma. The relationship with the animal facilitate safety, security, connection, and promotes healing from trauma.

Our Vision
We are working diligently on starting Log Dog Kennels in the North Carolina mountains. This state of the art boarding kennel and facility will provide a warm and safe healing environment to children, adults, and animals. The boarding kennel would help offset the high costs of service dog training and placement. This facility would offer therapy services, support, advocacy for underserved populations.

If you are interested in supporting the Log Dog vision, please contact the office at 828-452-2122.