West Michigan Therapy Dogs
Celebrating 25 yearsproviding Animal Assisted Activities to various groups in Western Michigan.
West Michigan Therapy Dogs
Celebrating 25 yearsproviding Animal Assisted Activities to various groups in Western Michigan.
Making a difference, one wag at a time!
West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. (WMTD) is a non-profit organization consisting of volunteer therapy dog and handler teams. We have been providing the western region of Michigan with Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) since 2001, and this year, we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary. We volunteer with community health facilities, non-profit organizations, educational programs, and more to provide emotional, physical, and psychological support through the human-animal healing connection, and we love “making a difference…one wag at a time!”
Making a difference, one wag at a time!
West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. (WMTD) is a non-profit organization consisting of volunteer therapy dog and handler teams. We have been providing the western region of Michigan with Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) since 2001, and this year, we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary. We volunteer with community health facilities, non-profit organizations, educational programs, and more to provide emotional, physical, and psychological support through the human-animal healing connection, and we love “making a difference…one wag at a time!”
WHAT IS PET THERAPY?
Pet therapy is a broad term that includes animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and other animal-assisted activities. AAT involves animals to help individuals, many with health problems, to cope or recover, whether it's cancer, mental health issues, physical disabilities, and more. Animal-assisted activities are volunteer-based and meant to provide comfort and enjoyment to senior citizens, children, and others.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. (WMTD) is a group of volunteers who provide Animal Assisted Activities to various groups in Western Michigan. Our services are free, and we do not accept monetary reimbursement for any of the services our members provide.
DONATE
We are a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations help us continue growing and reaching our goals. If you are interested in supporting our mission so we can serve more people in West Michigan, consider donating.
West Michigan Therapy Dogs
P.O. Box 2533
Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2533
Phone: 616-726-1256
Email: [email protected]
Why Choose Us?
Send us an Email
In the News
Community Spotlight: WMTD
This short feature highlights how West Michigan Therapy Dogs brings comfort, smiles, and connection across West Michigan through certified volunteer dog teams. Volunteers share their passion for serving in hospitals, schools, libraries, and community events – showing how each visit makes a difference, one wag at a time.
Maeve’s Story: From Shelter Dog to Therapy Dog
Maeve’s journey from a shy shelter dog to a certified therapy dog shows how second chances can change both a dog’s life and the people they serve. Now working alongside her handler Jarl, she brings calm, comfort, and connection to communities across West Michigan.
25 Years of Comfort. A Lifetime of Impact.
For 25 years, West Michigan Therapy Dogs has provided comfort, connection, and compassion to communities across West Michigan through the dedication of volunteer therapy dog teams. As WMTD celebrates this milestone anniversary, the organization reflects on its lasting impact while looking ahead to continuing its mission for generations to come.
Growing Together Through Therapy Dog Work: Kate and Brycen’s Story
For Kate and her son Brycen, volunteering with West Michigan Therapy Dogs has become more than community service — it’s a meaningful way to connect with others and with each other. Through the junior handler program, Brycen has grown in confidence and compassion while creating lasting moments of comfort for people across West Michigan.