About National Capital Therapy Dogs, Inc.

National Capital Therapy Dogs, Inc. (NCTD) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that provides Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) services. While most of our animal teammates are dogs, we also work with cats and other domesticated animals.

View NCTD's goals and objectives

Some 60 NCTD volunteers and their animal teammates visit over 20 facilities in the Baltimore/Washington area, including major hospitals, assisted-living facilities, hospices and shelters. NCTD teams also visit schools and public libraries for animal-assisted reading programs. Click here for a complete listing of the facilities that NCTD visits.

What is a Therapy Animal?

According to our clients...

• A Therapy Animal "changes your whole perspective.  They take your mind off what you're going through."
• A Therapy Animal "has the uncanny ability to connect with people when they are most vulnerable."
• A Therapy Animal "brings the outside world into us and reminds us that we are part of a world without sickness."

Animals in AAA/AAT programs, through unconditional love, enhance the quality of life for children and adults. They provide a unique opportunity for motivation, recreation, entertainment, stimulation, socialization, education, and rehabilitation.

Get Involved with NCTD

Volunteer with NCTD

NCTD is always looking for new volunteer teams. If you have a healthy, obedient animal that loves meeting people, you and your pet may be good candidates!

NCTD can help you prepare you for screening and visiting with our therapy dog training course.

As an NCTD volunteer:

• You and your teammate are welcome to visit at NCTD facilities
• You can take advantage of ongoing training opportunities
• You are invited to NCTD social events

Have NCTD Visit Your Facility

If your facility would like to learn more about beginning an AAA/AAT program, we would be happy to provide additional information and a presentation/demonstration.

We will conduct a site evaluation prior to visiting to ensure the highest quality visits for both clients and therapy animal teams.

View current NCTD facilities.

Contribute to NCTD

NCTD is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization. You can help us expand our capabilities and offset our operating expenses through your tax-deductible contributions.

Direct contributions can be made to NCTD by mail.

If you contribute to the United Way or the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), remember to designate National Capital Therapy Dogs, Inc.

One of the greatest rewards of working with NCTD is seeing the smiles on the faces of the children and adults hugging your animal. At almost every visit, you are guaranteed to hear, "Thank you so much for coming!" "When will you be back?" "Can I give your dog one more hug before you go?"

For More Information

We'd be delighted to answer your questions.  You can contact us by: