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Big Heart Therapy Dogs
Certified therapy dog visits that bring comfort, connection, and hope

How We Bring Comfort

Our certified, trained, and insured therapy dogs visit hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, hospice programs, schools, and community organizations to provide comfort, connection, and hope.

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Whether it's sharing a quiet cuddle, listening to a story, celebrating a birthday, or simply making someone smile, our visits help reduce loneliness, encourage conversation, and brighten someone's day. 

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Every visit is tailored to the people we serve - whether it's one-on-one bedside visits, group activities, reading programs, or simply sharing quiet moments together. 

Where We Visit

  • Nursing homes

  • Assisted Living Communities

  • Rehabilitation Centers

  • Hospitals

  • Hospice Programs

  • Social Services

  • Schools & Libraries

  • Community Organizations 

Sometimes the best medicine comes with four paws

Types of Visits

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Facility Visits

  • Nursing Homes

  • Assisted Living Communities

  • Rehabilitation Centers

  • Hospitals​

Scheduled visits for partner facilities throughout the Hampton Roads region

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Personal Therapy Dog Visits

  • Home Visits

  • Hospice Visits

  • Assisted Living Residents (By Request)

  • Special Requests

30-minute visits scheduled based on volunteer availability 

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Compassionate Support Visits

  • Serious Illness

  • Grief Support

  • Life Transitions

  • End-of-Life Companionship

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Community & Corporate Engagement

  • Schools & Libraries

  • Businesses

  • Community events

Gentle visits designed to provide comfort during difficult moments.

Therapy dog visits that promote wellness, connection, and community engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are therapy dog visits free?

Yes - Therapy dog visits are provided at no cost through the dedication of our volunteers and community partnerships. Visits are scheduled based on volunteer availability, facility approval, and program capacity.

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Can I support the therapy dog program?

Absolutely! While therapy dog visits are always provided at no cost, donations help provide therapy dog training, certifications, insurance, volunteer support, supplies, travel, and outreach so we can continue serving more people throughout our community.

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Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Big Heart Animal Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible as permitted by law. Donation receipts are provided for every contribution.

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Where do visits take place?

Personal visits may take place in private homes, hospice settings, healthcare facilities, or other approved community locations. All visits are subject to volunteer availability and any applicable facility policies.

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How far in advance should visits be requested?

We recommend submitting request at least 1-2 weeks in advance when possible. Availability is limited and scheduled around existing commitments. 

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Do we already visit your facility? 

We currently provide therapy dog visits to select assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, and healthcare facilities throughout the Hampton Roads area. If you're unsure whether we already partnered with your location, please feel free to reach out.  
 

 Current & Recent Community Partners: 

  • York Post Acute - Yorktown, VA 

  • The Hamilton - Yorktown, VA 

  • Regency - Yorktown, VA 

  • York County Social Services, Yorktown, VA

  • Riverside Regional - Newport News, VA (limited visits by request) Riverside maintains an established therapy dog program with several dedicated volunteer teams. Patients and families may also coordinate visits directly through Riverside Volunteer Services .   

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As our volunteer network grows, we look forward to expanding partnerships throughout Hampton Roads and surrounding communities.  

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Interested in becoming a partner facility or hosting a visit? We'd love to hear from you. Please contact us to learn more. 

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RequestVisit

Request a Visit

Please complete the appropriate form below. Visits are scheduled based on availability and current program capacity

Facility Organization Visit Request

Thank you for your interest in partnering with Big Heart Animal Foundation. We provide comfort-focused therapy dog visits to assists living communities, rehabilitation centers, healthcare facilities, and other community organizations throughout Hampton Roads. As a volunteer-led nonprofit, new partnership requests are reviewed based on volunteer availability and program capacity.


There is no cost for approved facility therapy dog visits.

Type of organization
Does your organization currently have an established therapy dog program or receive visits from therapy dog teams?
Yes -We have an established therapy dog program
Yes - Visiting therapy dog teams come periodically
No - We do not currently offer therapy dog visits

Please select your preferred date. Visits are scheduled based on availability , existing commitments and facility approval requirements when appliable.

Preferred time of day

Approved therapy dog visits are provided at no cost to individuals or organizations. Donations are always appreciated to help support our volunteer program, but they are never expected or required.


Our goal is to remove barriers—not create them—so that more people can experience the comfort, connection, and healing made possible through therapy dog visits.

Personal Therapy Dog Visit

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, navigating hospice care, experiencing a difficult season, or simply hoping for the comfort of a certified therapy dog, we’d be honored to review your request. Visits are scheduled based on volunteer availability and program capacity

Type of Visit

Please select your preferred date. Visits are scheduled based on availability, existing commitments, and facility approval requirements when applicable.

Preferred time of day

Big Heart Animal Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Therapy dog visits are provided at no cost. Donations are always appreciated and help support our therapy dog, rescue and transport, and future pet continuity programs. Donations may be tax-deductible as permitted by law.

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