Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Canine Assisted Therapy Inc
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Canine Assisted Therapy Inc
Mailing Address: 1040 NE 45th St
City: Oakland Park
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33334
Main Phone: 9549905175
Main Fax: n/a
Organization Website: www.catdogs.org
Employer ID Number: 27-0700622
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/23/26
Requested Amount: $9,240

Project Title: Pet Therapy for Children’s Health and Wellbeing
Project Description:

This project will provide animal-assisted therapy to more than 2,000 children and youth across South Florida, focusing on pediatric patients, children with special needs, children during bereavement, youth in shelters, and individuals facing mental health challenges. Funding will support three certified therapy dog teams, each capable of serving at least 500 individuals annually.

Each therapy dog team (handler and dog) undergoes a comprehensive process that includes recruitment, evaluation, training, certification, mentoring, continuing education, insurance, and deployment. The cost to prepare and sustain one team exceeds $3,000. A grant of $9,500 will fully support three teams for one year, ensuring they are well-trained, insured, and ready to serve.

Therapy visits will include activities such as petting, brushing, walking, and simple companionship. These interactions encourage engagement, reduce anxiety, and support emotional well-being through positive, calming experiences.

These teams will serve children and youth at hospitals, shelters, schools, and treatment centers throughout the community, including pediatric hospitals, foster care programs, behavioral health centers, and bereavement organizations.

In addition to scheduled visits, teams remain available to respond to urgent situations, such as crisis or grief support. Each year, schools request services following unexpected loss, highlighting the ongoing need for rapid-response support.

By investing in trained and reliable therapy dog teams, this project strengthens our ability to meet growing demand and respond quickly when support is needed most. It ensures that more children have access to safe, consistent, and meaningful interactions that improve overall well-being and bring comfort during difficult moments.

Total Project Budget: $475,338

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed – UKG, William and Helen Thomas Trust, Fritch Foundation, The Miami Foundation Pending – Joan Leslie Nichols Foundation, Florida Panthers Fdn, Human-Animal Alliance

Project Duration: October 2026 – September 2027
Geographical Area Served: South Florida
Age Group To Be Served: Youth and children 20 years or younger

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Courtney
Contact Last Name: Trzcinski
Contact Title: Director of Grants and Donor Relations
Contact Phone: 9549905175
Contact Email: courtney@catdogs.org