We train, certify, and support therapy dog teams that offer comfort, connection, and companionship in diverse settings—including hospitals, senior living communities, schools, libraries, and public events. BSTDA proudly serves Southern Wisconsin and surrounding areas, promoting the healing presence of therapy dogs across the region and beyond.
At Badger State Therapy Dog Association (BSTDA), we are a dedicated organization united by a shared commitment to improving lives through the meaningful connection between people and therapy dogs. Grounded in our mission and vision, we strive to create lasting, positive impact in the communities we serve.
We are a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in people's lives through the power of therapy dogs.
Badger State Therapy Dogs Association (BSTDA), harnesses the healing power of therapy dogs to bring joy, comfort, and emotional support to people in varied settings across Southern Wisconsin and beyond.
We offer comprehensive training programs for both dogs and handlers. Our certification process ensures that each therapy dog team is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to perform therapy work safely and effectively in diverse environments.
BSTDA works in partnership with hospitals, schools, nursing homes, libraries, and other community organizations to offer the therapeutic benefits of therapy dogs. Our teams help to uplift and inspire individuals who may be going through difficult times, providing much-needed emotional support.
The association relies on passionate volunteers who are dedicated to spreading the positive impact of therapy dogs. Handlers and their dogs are the heart of BSTDA, and they generously give their time to visit individuals in need, share joy, and provide comfort.
In addition to our therapy dog services, we also provide education about the benefits of therapy animals and raise awareness about the importance of animal-assisted interventions. Through workshops, events, and outreach programs, we aim to create a community that embraces and supports the work of therapy dogs.
Through training, community service, and outreach, the Badger State Therapy Dog Association (BSTDA) carries out its purpose and vision—enhancing lives by connecting people with the unique support and companionship therapy dogs provide across a wide range of settings.
We provide specialized training for both therapy dogs and their handlers. Our certification program ensures that each team is prepared to interact in a variety of environments and settings.
We focus on obedience, temperament, and the ability to handle diverse situations, ensuring therapy dogs are calm, confident, and skilled in providing comfort.
Our certified therapy dog teams visit a wide range of facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and other community organizations. These visits are designed to bring joy, comfort, and emotional support to individuals facing health challenges, stress, or loneliness.
Through these visits, we aim to reduce anxiety, lift spirits, and provide emotional healing to those in need.
Therapy dogs play a vital role in providing emotional support during times of crisis, illness, or trauma. Our teams visit disaster areas, emergency shelters, and recovery centers to offer comfort and stress relief to those affected by difficult situations.
Whether it’s providing companionship for children in hospitals or offering a calming presence for adults in therapy, we strive to create a nurturing atmosphere that promotes emotional healing.
We raise awareness about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy and work to educate the public on how therapy dogs can improve mental health and well-being.
Through public events, workshops, and informational resources, we engage the community and foster a deeper understanding of therapy dogs' important role in emotional and psychological recovery.
BSTDA offers continuous support for our certified therapy dog teams, including ongoing education and training opportunities to enhance their skills.
We also offer resources and guidance to help teams navigate their visits, troubleshoot challenges, and maximize the impact of their work.
BSTDA works to connect therapy dog teams with organizations and institutions that can benefit from their services. Whether it’s visiting children in schools, assisting with stress relief in workplaces, or bringing comfort to patients in hospitals, we are committed to creating connections that serve the community's needs.
The Badger State Therapy Dog Association (BSTDA) serves a wide range of locations and communities, bringing the comfort and support of therapy dogs to individuals in need across Southern Wisconsin and beyond. Here’s a look at some of the places we visit and provide support:
Our therapy dog teams visit hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare facilities to provide comfort and emotional support to patients undergoing treatment, surgeries, or recovering from illness or injury. These visits help reduce anxiety, promote healing, and bring joy to patients and their families.
Therapy dogs bring companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness to elderly individuals in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and rehabilitation centers. These visits are especially beneficial for residents dealing with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other cognitive challenges, as they promote relaxation and emotional well-being.
BSTDA teams also visit schools, libraries, and other educational settings to provide stress relief, promote emotional wellness, and offer support for children and young adults. Therapy dogs can help improve focus, calm anxiety, and provide a soothing presence during exams or stressful events.
We visit facilities that support military veterans, offering therapy dog visits to help reduce stress, anxiety, and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapy dogs offer a calming presence, emotional support, and companionship, helping veterans cope with the challenges they face.
Therapy dogs also participate in public events such as reading programs at libraries, where children can read aloud to the dogs, helping build confidence in young readers and fostering positive emotional experiences. These visits create an opportunity for the public to engage with therapy dogs and learn more about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
During times of crisis, such as natural disasters, traumatic events, or times of community stress, BSTDA therapy dog teams provide support in emergency shelters and disaster relief areas. The comforting presence of therapy dogs helps alleviate anxiety, trauma, and emotional strain for individuals affected by these events.
BSTDA also works with companies and organizations to bring therapy dogs into workplaces, providing stress relief and emotional support to employees. These visits help reduce workplace stress, improve morale, and create a healthier work environment.
We participate in various community events and gatherings, offering the public an opportunity to interact with therapy dogs and learn about their healing benefits. These events help raise awareness about the positive impact of therapy dogs in society.
Wherever there is a need for emotional support, comfort, and stress relief, Badger State Therapy Dog Association is there to offer the therapeutic benefits of therapy dog visits. Through our dedicated teams, we are able to reach people in a variety of settings, spreading joy and healing wherever we go.