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CENTAUR   Engagement VMRCVM

Service Programs


Paws for a Cause

Books to Bark

Dr. Zenny's service dog, Grace, an 8-year-old Golden Retriever, ready for a kids' reading session in the Books to Bark program.

The recently developed Paws for a Cause program incorporates Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) initiatives:

  • VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) - a training and certification program for pets of veterinary faculty, staff, and students to enable AAA community visits. Funding partially provided by a grant from the Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships (CSECP) at Virginia Tech. Learn more
  • Books to Barks - a child reading program that utilizes AAA dogs to provide a "sounding board" for children learning to read

Caring for Canine Heroes

K-9's Boomer and Boris

Boomer (left) and Boris (right) are members of the Virginia Tech Police Department.

There are more than 200 working canines in law enforcement and search and rescue, and a significant number of service dogs throughout the New River Valley and Potomac Region. CENTAUR supports our four-footed heroes and believes:

  • Providing the best possible medical care to working and service dogs is critical in maintaining and supporting the human-animal interface in many facets.
  • The human partner-working dog team is one of the strongest human-animal bonds possible, and these teams ensure public safety, protection and freedom to those whom depend on their assistance.
  • It is essential to fully develop and support the care of working and service dogs, through clinical services devoted to excellence. A critical part of this mission is to also provide training to handlers and veterinary personnel involved with the working and service dog community.

Pet Loss Support Hotline

Centaur supports the efforts of the Pet Loss Support Hotline staffed by SCAVMA student volunteers with training and guidance provided by Dr. Sandra Barker.

The hotline number is 540-231-8038 and is staffed by trained student volunteers on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 - 9 pm.