Plantation Inn

Canine Assisted Therapy (CAT) is a 501 (c) organization (3) nonprofit organization founded in August 2009 to respond to the need for companionship for people in schools, nursing homes, palliative care, assisted living and hospitals. Since the inception of the organization detailed background checks were conducted on all volunteers CAT and no other dog certifying organization in the counties of Broward and Palm Beach have been so diligent.

After August 1 these other organizations and organizations that invite volunteers in their schools can lose their licenses because the new law requires that persons working with children, the elderly and disabled people in Florida suffer more stringent background checks.

The law passed unanimously by the Legislature this last session was signed by Governor Charlie Crist at the end of May. It applies to employees and volunteers in day care centers, assisted living services, home care agencies and others working with children and vulnerable adults.

Recognizing Canine Assisted Therapy is consistent with the new law ensures that the most vulnerable residents are protected. Canine Assisted Therapy Volunteers are encouraged to continue making a difference in the lives of children, seniors and members of our community involved. The founders of the organization also want to ensure that these facilities are following the letter of the new law by bringing these wonderful dogs (and owners) in their homes and property.

Debra M. Berger is the executive director of the CAT has recently noted, "We are delighted to have many new volunteers because organizations other treatments are unable or unwilling to comply with the new law. We also received many requests for facilities use our services because we are the organization only therapy for pets to be able to visit patients who are not accompanied by a staff member. "

CAT facility is currently:

Ann Storck Center - Fort Lauderdale

Avante at Boca Raton - Boca Raton

Bennett Elementary School - Fort Lauderdale

Bethesda Memorial Hospital - Boynton Beach

Rehabilitation Centre Boulevard - Boynton Beach

Chatworth the PGA - Palm Beach Gardens

Children and the Children's Diagnostic Center - Fort Lauderdale

Children's Center Chris Evert - Fort Lauderdale

Coral Ridge Elementary - Lake Worth

Cypress Run Education Center - Pompano Beach

Gilda's Club South Florida - Fort Lauderdale

Hollywood Hills Rehabilitation Center - Hollywood

Homewood Liberty Pointe Village - The Villages

Hospice of the Sea - Boca Raton

Independence Hall - Fort Lauderdale

Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Florida - Davie

Health care services Manor - Plantation

Meadowlark Assisted Living Inn - Royal Palm Beach

Nursing and Rehab Medicana - Lake Worth

Memorial Regional Hospital South - Hollywood

Pompano Rehab & Nursing - Pompano Beach

Springtree Rehabilitation and Health - Sunrise

ThereaPeeds, Inc. - Davie

United Cerebral Palsy - Fort Lauderdale

Williamsburg Landing - Fort Lauderdale

Willow Brooke Court, St. Andrews - Boca Raton

With this new legislation, CAT is adding other facilities Broward and Palm Beach each week.

CAT ( www.catdogs.org ) headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, offers certification and placement of therapy dogs and their masters in nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, schools and where there is a need for the companionship of a dog. .