Dog Therapy Appreciation Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Tuesday, April 11th. There are until the next observance.

Every year on April 11, Dog Therapy Appreciation Day is observed to honor the dogs who soothe us by serving as therapy dogs. Therapy dogs must pass a stringent testing regimen before they can be certified. They are now qualified to visit hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort to patients. Therapy dogs are often pets that are trained to become therapy dogs. Everyone enjoys being around dogs, and on this day, we appreciate dogs for making us joyful.

📆 When is Dog Therapy Appreciation Day?

This year, Dog Therapy Appreciation Day is on April 11th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in April; in 2024, it is on Thursday.

Countdown to Dog Therapy Appreciation Day

Did you know: In 1976, Elaine Smith was the first to develop a therapy dog program.

You can also see all cool things you didn’t know about and facts about April 11, 2023.

📜 History of Dog Therapy Appreciation Day

Sigmund Freud became fascinated by the relationship between people and animals and established the concept of the Human-Animal Bond. His thesis was that people require interaction with animals and the environment in order to function normally in daily life. Freud is well-known for using his cat to soothe his patients. In the 1940s, the American Red Cross utilized farm animals to cure injured or ailing combat soldiers. Veterans would look after the farm animals to distract themselves from the grueling fight.

Dr. Boris Levinson discovered in the 1960s that his dog had a favorable effect on mentally challenged teenage patients. He also noted that patients were more at ease and friendly with their pets than with other humans. According to several studies, having a pet can help you live a longer and happier life. Dogs can lower the risk of heart disease, and for individuals who have had heart disease, having a dog or a cat reduces the chance of having another heart attack.

☑️ Dog Therapy Appreciation Day facts

Dogs can help ease autism symptoms
Approximately 81.8% of autistic children prefer to play with dogs over anything else, and they may access typical human emotions while playing with pets.

Any dog can be a therapy dog
Therapy dogs can be strays or dogs from shelters that have been trained well. It depends on the animal’s personality and how well it responds to training.

Dogs can help children read
Dogs are paired with children who have learning challenges, and the youngsters read in front of them, creating a judgment-free zone.

Things to do on Dog Therapy Appreciation Day

Pet a dog
Celebrate this day by adoring and caring for a dog. Petting a dog makes humans happy and healthy while also making the dog feel cherished.

Adopt a pet
If you are able and willing, there is no better way to commemorate this day than by adopting a pet. Bring a new furry friend into your home to brighten it up.

Appreciate therapy dogs
Thank the therapy dogs for their efforts. Make sure they get the rewards they deserve.

📅 Dog Therapy Appreciation Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 April 11 Tuesday
2024 April 11 Thursday
2025 April 11 Friday
2026 April 11 Saturday
2027 April 11 Sunday

Explore all April holidays, including Animal and other Dog holidays.

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