Therapy Dogs of Rockland

Therapy Dogs of Rockland certifies and coordinates therapy dog teams for visits to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and libraries. Teams are evaluated and registered through Intermountain Therapy Animals. The R.E.A.D.® program trains dogs and handlers to assist children in improving reading skills through non-judgmental animal interaction. No general pet training programs are offered.

Therapy Dogs of Rockland is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization affiliated with Intermountain Therapy Animals, serving Rockland, Westchester, and Fairfield Counties. They specialize in therapy dog visits to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and libraries, providing comfort and emotional support through human-animal interaction. Their R.E.A.D.® program helps children improve reading skills by having them read to calm, non-judgmental therapy dogs. While they train and evaluate therapy dog teams, they do not offer general dog training services for pet owners. Their trainers are certified through Intermountain Therapy Animals and focus exclusively on preparing dogs and handlers for therapeutic visitation roles.

The organization is co-founded and led by Candace Robinson and George Berger, both certified I.T.A. instructors and evaluators, with decades of experience in therapy dog work. They do not provide private, group, or in-home training for obedience, behavior, or puppy skills. Their mission centers on healing through animal companionship, not on training dogs for household commands or behavioral correction.

Dog owners seeking training for their pets for obedience, reactivity, or puppy skills will not find services here. Therapy Dogs of Rockland exists to certify and deploy therapy teams, not to train pet dogs for home life.

Accomplishments

Co-founders Candace Robinson and George Berger are certified I.T.A. instructors and evaluators. The organization is an affiliate of Intermountain Therapy Animals and has been serving communities for many years with a network of over 50 registered therapy dog teams.