Dog-Harmony
We are a 501(c)3 dedicated to reducing the shelter population through ongoing community education and programs that enrich the human and animal bond.
![Dog-Harmony dog](https://dog-harmony.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dog-Harmony-b-w-Dog-no-bg.png)
Learn more about what it takes to become a therapy team, how Dog-Harmony therapy teams give back to the community, and the steps needed to become a therapy team. A therapy team, is a partnership between a human and an animal that are dedicated to giving back to the community through various animal assisted therapy activities such as visiting hospitals, rehabilitation facilities or schools.
January 2025 Highlights
12 Hours of Donated Training
Over $700 in Donated Dog Supplies for Families in Need
Over 80 Hours of Therapy Dog Team Visits at:
Children in Crisis
Emerald Coast Children Advocacy Center
Lotus Learning & Arts Center
HCA Florida Healthcare
Our community’s need for therapy dog teams is significant and deeply felt. The local demand far outstrips our current resources, requiring additional funding to expand this valuable program and ensure access for all who can benefit from the unique comfort and healing these animals provide.
Can you help us?
![Therapy Dog Teams at HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital photograph of Therapy Dog Teams at HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital on Valentine's day](https://dog-harmony.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5958277188134271364.jpg)
Upcoming Events
![DH - Subscribe to Our Newsletter-1 image of a dog holding a rolled-up newsletter in its mouth with the words "don't miss out!"](https://dog-harmony.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DH-Subscribe-to-Our-Newsletter-1.png)
Subscribe to Our WagBreeze Life Newsletter
What We Do
Children's Education with Canine Body Language Classes
Dog-Harmony is leading the way in humane education, providing simple essential programs to shape future generations, building a foundation of respect and responsibility for animals among children of all ages and abilities.
Therapy Dog Teams
Dog-Harmony manages and coordinates therapy dog teams to work with healthcare providers and at-risk youth. The program requires a blend of clear communication, robust volunteer training, and strategic partnerships.
Keeping Dogs in Homes
Behavioral issues are the top reasons for owner-surrenders to shelters. Dog-Harmony is helping families who need training and equipment to keep their dog(s) in the home.
Pet Bereavement Counseling
In the depths of sorrow, it’s important to remember that your pet’s spirit lives on in your heart.
![HCA Florida Rehab Destin 2 Chloe the therapy dog visiting two smiling HCA Florida Healthcare Employees at the Destin, FL rehabilitation center](https://dog-harmony.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/HCA-Florida-Rehab-Destin-2-e1726099760788.jpg)
How we impact our local community in a Pawsitive way!
Collaborate with Local Organizations: We establish partnerships with schools, after-school programs, foster care systems, juvenile detention centers, or youth shelters to offer therapy dog services.
Customize Programs: We work with the partner organizations to create programs that meet the specific needs of their youth. For example, some programs may focus on building social skills, while others may target emotional regulation or stress relief.
Incorporate Goal-Setting: Work with therapists, teachers, or counselors to help set specific goals for youth who interact with the therapy dogs, such as reducing anxiety, improving communication, or fostering self-esteem.
Inspire kindness: We believe in igniting a lifelong passion for animal welfare and responsible pet ownership for people of any age.
What People Are Saying About Dog-Harmony
“I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Dog Harmony to be awarded this grant for their Hospital Therapy Dog Program. This program has been visiting Fort Walton-Destin Hospital for over a year and is loved by all. The program has a profound impact on our visitors, patients, doctors and staff. The staff and patients look forward to “Woof Wednesday” as they know the dogs will be coming to visit. So many patients have dogs and are in the hospital for an extended period and miss their fur babies so much. To have the Hospital Therapy Dogs come by lifts their spirits and aids in their recovery and well-being. I am honored to be able to work with them and see the impact they make on everyone they visit.
As one of our Cardiologists stated, “thank you for changing the mood in the room” and that statement tells it all! Time and time again I hear from staff, “thank you so much I needed this and thank you for making my day”. Our partnership with Dog Harmony assists us in improving more lives in our hospital and community. I recommend Dog Harmony be awarded this grant to keep this program in hospitals.”