Our Four-Legged Friends and More is Back — and Better Than Ever! Noozhawk is thrilled to bring back this beloved special section, dedicated to celebrating the pets — and the people who love them. Whether they bark, purr, chirp, or slither, our furry, feathered, and scaly companions deserve the very best — and we’re here to showcase exactly that.
This fun and heartwarming edition spotlights the amazing local businesses, organizations, and experts committed to pet wellness across Santa Barbara County. From grooming and veterinary care to training, boarding, and pet-friendly services, this guide is your go-to resource for all things animal care.
In this issue, Noozhawk caught up with Jody Williams, Director of Development and Marketing at Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara, to learn more about their services — and how they’re making tails wag and people happy all year long.
Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara
Question: What is the name of your business or practice?
Answer: Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara
Q: What is the mission behind your business?
A: Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through the power of the human-animal bond. Through a variety of impactful programs, we aim to empower individuals of all ages to live more connected, joyful, and fulfilling lives.
Q: What types of animals does your business cater to?
A: Our organization includes certified therapy dogs as a main component of our programs.
Q: Can you describe the services or products your business offers?
A: Our key initiatives include:
ARF! (Animals + Reading = Fun!) – A literacy development program that encourages children to build reading confidence and skills by reading aloud to gentle, trained therapy dogs in a nonjudgmental, supportive setting.
Wag Well – A mental health-focused program that promotes emotional well-being through a unique curriculum that teaches mindfulness and stress-reduction skills to children, with therapy dogs integrated into every session.
Community Outreach – Therapy dog visits to schools, senior care centers, and other community spaces to provide comfort, connection, and companionship.
Airport Therapy Dog Program – We are in our second year of partnering with the Santa Barbara Airport, bringing teams to the terminals with TSA clearance so travelers can enjoy the calming effects of our therapy dogs after they get through the stressful process of check-in and security.
With every tail wag and gentle nuzzle, Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara brings healing, learning, love and joy to our community.
Q: How long have you been in this industry?
A: Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara was founded in 1997.
Q: What makes your business or practice unique?
A: At the heart of every program and visit are our certified therapy dogs, providing a unique and comforting presence. Whether supporting reading development through ARF!, helping students manage stress with Wag Well, or offering simple snuggles on the lawn during finals week at Santa Barbara City College, our dogs create a compassionate space where healing and connection thrive.
Everyone we meet leaves a little more uplifted, grounded, and reinvigorated—thanks to the unconditional love of our dogs and the incredible dedication of our volunteers and staff. We lead with empathy, gratitude, and kindness in everything we do, ensuring that every interaction reflects the heart of our mission.
Q: What training, education and experience do you and your staff have? Do you hold any professional certifications?
A: Carey Bradshaw, Executive Director for Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara since June 2023, was first a board member and volunteer for nine years prior to taking this leadership position. With a rich background in corporate management and organizational development, Bradshaw brings valuable expertise in program development, strategic planning, and community engagement.
Jody Williams, Director of Development & Marketing, brings a wealth of experience in grant writing, fundraising, nonprofit compliance, event planning, social media, and marketing. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), an international credential awarded to fundraising professionals who have demonstrated comprehensive knowledge, adherence to the highest ethical standards, and a commitment to excellence in philanthropic best practices.
Karen Lee Stevens, Director of Wellness Programs, has dedicated her career to the study and practice of mindfulness. She is a certified Mindfulness Instructor through Mindful Schools, MindUP for Life, and the Veda Center, and is now developing our own internal Mindfulness training program to expand the Wag Well program. Stevens is also a certified Sound Bath Healer offering Sound Bath experiences in select locations in Santa Barbara County.
Andrea Bratt, our official dog trainer, has been using positive reinforcement to train dogs (and other animals) in the Santa Barbara area for over 15 years. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
Q: Do you work with all breeds / age groups?
A: Dogs should be at least 9 months to go through our training, but often need to be at least a year to pass our evaluation to become a certified therapy dog. We welcome all breeds!
Q: What advice would you give to a new pet owner?
A: Socialize your dog as early as possible!
Q: Are you a nonprofit? Do you accept donations?
A: Yes and Yes! Donations are a key component in our funding.
Q: How do you keep the public informed about your business or service(s)?
A: We are active on social media and through our email list. Throughout the year, we host Happy Hours and small events in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley. Our Director of Wellness Programs, Karen Lee Stevens, writes a monthly blog titled “Unleashing Happiness,” which offers insights and advice focused on mental health and is sent out to our mailing list and available on our website.
Q: What is the typical cost of your service(s) or product(s)? Do you offer any payment plans or discounts?
A: Most of our programs/services are offered free of charge, especially for schools and senior care facilities serving lower-income residents and at-risk populations. There are circumstances where we charge for our educational programs or ask for donations for visits to locations that are for-profit businesses, private schools, or cater to a more affluent demographic. We do offer payment plans and discounts based on need and/or populations served.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: We do not have set business hours or a location that the public can visit. We bring our services and programs to various locations dependent on their hours.
Q: What is one fun fact about your business?
A: We feel grateful every day to have an organization that brings so much joy to everyone we encounter. We call it a “Win, Woof, Win!” because the people we serve love it, the dogs who work with us love it, and our volunteers love it!
Q: Is there anything you would like to tell our readers that was not mentioned above?
A: In April 2025, we expanded to the East Coast and have rebranded as Therapy Dogs of America in areas of operation outside of Santa Barbara County. This is an exciting milestone for our longevity and impact that our organization can make on people’s lives.
Over the years, we’ve received countless inquiries from schools, hospitals, and organizations beyond Santa Barbara asking for guidance on creating therapy dog programs or even requesting visits. It became clear there was a significant demand for what we offer—structured, compassionate programs that foster emotional well-being and connection.
Expanding to the East Coast allows us to share our proven model of bringing joy and comfort to more people in need, from children and educators to patients and caregivers. On the West Coast, we are expanding south into Ventura County with plans to begin therapy dog visits to the County’s Behavioral Health Unit Outpatient Facilities and Ventura Unified School District. Every aspect of our Ventura County and East Coast programs mirrors the high standards we have created in Santa Barbara County.
Click here to learn more about Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara!
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