Animal Assisted Therapy Services (AaTs) will host an Open House on September 21 from 4 to 6pm in Milford. The nonprofit organization builds the human/animal connection as a motivator for therapeutic and recreational purposes. AaTs’ recreational therapists work with children and adults who have physical, cognitive or social/emotional disabilities. Additionally, AaTs has certified professional dog trainers who train family dogs, develop therapy dog teams and place emotional support animals.

Several schools, agencies, parents and club members who have participated in recent AaTs programs will be on hand during the Open House. Speakers will provide attendees first-hand accounts of programs they have enjoyed this past year. The Open House is free to attend and refreshments will be served. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the many different applications of animal-assisted interventions.

One such program is the non-therapeutic For the Love of Therapy Animals Club, a new weekly group for kids in grades 4 through 8. The club members assist in the training and care of AaTs Credentialed Therapy Dogs and small animals including fish, bunnies, guinea pigs, and hamsters. After developing handling skills and bonding with the animals, the group regularly visits local assisted-living facilities, bringing the joy of the human/animal bond to residents and patients.

The For the Love of Therapy Animals Club meets Tuesdays, 4 to 6pm for fourth and fifth graders and on Fridays from 3:30 to 5:30pm for grades 6 through 8. The program runs year-round, in eight-week sessions, beginning September 24. Cost is $250 per session. 

For more information please call 203-804-5343 or email [email protected]. Location: 4 Oxford Rd, Building D, Milford.