About Us
Our Mission
Bringing comfort, happiness, and healing to people of all ages while increasing public awareness and education regarding pet-provided therapy opportunities.
Our Volunteers
Door County Therapy Dog Teams, Inc. is a volunteer run organization consisting of certified therapy dog and handler teams. The teams visit local schools, libraries, nursing homes, detention centers, and other locations where they donate their time and their knowledge without receiving compensation.
Our History
Beginning in 2015, therapy dog certification was offered through the Door County Humane Society. At that time, four courses were offered per year. However, teams needed to be tested and certified by a different organization in order to obtain the necessary insurance to be a therapy dog team. As a result, it was hard to track and engage volunteers.
Over time, we decided to make our dream of offering ongoing training and support for teams a reality. We decided the only way to keep teams engaged and supported would be to form an independent nonprofit organization. Thus, Door County Therapy Dog Teams, Inc. was born! We are an American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Therapy Dog organization; and we can certify and insure our class graduates while increasing the number of active teams volunteering in the community.
Julie L. LaLuzerne, Door County Therapy Dog Teams, Inc. Coordinator
As a therapy dog handler, AKC Evaluator, and therapy dog team trainer, Julie L. LaLuzerne has devoted her life to spreading joy through the companionship of therapy dogs.
After initially getting certified in 2012 as a therapy dog handler with her dog Belmar, Julie quickly recognized the need to hold classes, streamline the certification process, and build support for the therapy dog teams in our community. In 2015, she became known as the Door County Therapy Dog Team Coordinator. Julie, along with several volunteers, formalized this dream in 2024 when Door County Therapy Dog Teams, Inc. officially became a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Julie continues to advocate for the benefits of therapy dogs as she collaborates with local organizations to ensure the therapeutic benefits of dogs reach those in need. With a passion for dogs and a desire to bring happiness to others, Julie lives by the motto, "If one of my therapy dog teams brings a smile to someone's face, it's all worth it!"