Therapy animals have been employed in hospital settings for years. A recent American Heart Association study on Animal Assisted Therapy showed how a 12-minute dog visit lowered blood pressure and reduced the production of damaging hormones in cardiac patients and those with hypertension. Furthermore, studies have shown that the mistreatment of animals by youth is an indicator of future behavioural problems.
Varency Home has begun to recognize the value of animal assisted therapy to the well-being of children in their care. They have received funding from the National Crime Prevention C'ouncil fo Canada to develop and offer a Humane Education/Dog Training Program. They have implemented their Youth and Animals Learning Together (YALT) program in partnership with the Hamilton SPCA and the Canadian Canine College. Youth train dogs which leads to the successful adoption of the animals.
Staff have noticed that youth in the group home setting are much more loving and gentle when they are interacting with the animals.
The lessons they learn with the dogs can be carried over into the lives of the youth at Varency Home, helping them to cope with emotional situations in a healthy way.
Therapy animals have been employed in hospital settings for years. A recent American Heart Association study on Animal Assisted Therapy showed how a 12-minute dog visit lowered blood pressure and reduced the production of damaging hormones in cardiac patients and those with hypertension. Furthermore, studies have shown that the mistreatment of animals by youth is an indicator of future behavioural problems. 
Varency Home has begun to recognize the value of animal assisted therapy to the well-being of children in their care. They have received funding from the National Crime Prevention C'ouncil fo Canada to develop and offer a Humane Education/Dog Training Program. They have implemented their Youth and Animals Learning Together (YALT) program in partnership with the Hamilton SPCA and the Canadian Canine College. Youth train dogs which leads to the successful adoption of the animals.
Staff have noticed that youth in the group home setting are much more loving and gentle when they are interacting with the animals. 
The lessons they learn with the dogs can be carried over into the lives of the youth at Varency Home, helping them to cope with emotional situations in a healthy way. 
