Companion Paws Canada
At Companion Paws, we believe in the transformative power of the human-canine bond. In a world where mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent, the unconditional love and grounding presence of a dog can be a true lifeline. Our mission is to bridge the gap between those in need and the healing potential of animals, fostering a community where companionship becomes a catalyst for wellness, recovery, and emotional resilience.As Canada's premier animal-assisted therapy and emotional support program, we provide a structured, professional pathway for those seeking the unique comfort only a dedicated companion animal can offer.Whether you are looking to certify your own dog as a therapy animal, seeking a trained emotional support animal for your personal well-being, integrating a therapy dog into your clinical or animal-assisted practice, a facility interested in our visiting program, or bringing a canine wellness program to your workplace, Companion Paws is dedicated to the highest standards of training, evaluation and certification.Join us in our commitment to enhancing lives through the power of the paw. Explore our specialized programs today and discover how a dedicated companion can help reduce stress, alleviate loneliness, and open new doors to emotional healing and social connection.
Companion Paws Canada Introduction
Learn about our therapy dog programs and how they can make a difference
The LifeLine Canada offers three Companion Paws Therapy Dog programs
as well as visits with certified Therapy Dog teams.
Companion Paws Canada (CPC)
Companion Paws Canada (CPC), a national initiative of The LifeLine Canada Foundation, brings the proven benefits of therapy dogs to people across the country. Through its programs, CPC gives rescue dogs a second chance by matching them with Canadians in need of a certified companion, while also helping owners of suitable dogs achieve official therapy dog certification. These partnerships are thoughtfully built to support mental wellness and create lasting, meaningful connections.
Once certified, therapy dogs can serve in a variety of roles, including personal emotional support, as well as assisted and visiting therapy settings. For those pursuing assisted or visiting designations, it offers a unique opportunity to share the comfort and companionship of a well-trained dog with others who need it most.
The benefits are well documented: time spent with an affectionate animal can improve both mental and physical health, while helping reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Therapy dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but what matters most is a calm, stable temperament suited to providing comfort and connection.
A Companion Paws therapy dog must be:
"Some forms of healing don't come in a bottle or a session — they come on four paws, with a wagging tail and an open heart."
Choose Your Therapy Dog Program
Personal Therapy Dog Adoption
Adopt a trained therapy dog for personal support
Assisted Therapy Dog Adoption
Dogs trained for professional therapy settings
Certify Your Own Dog
Comprehensive assessment and training program to certify your dog as a therapy animal
Visiting Therapy Dog Request
Request therapy dog visits for your facility
"Sometimes the smallest paw print leaves the biggest mark on a heart."