About

The mission of AaTs is to provide adults and children with with physical, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities the opportunity to experience the power of the unique human-animal bond as therapeutic intervention thus promoting lifelong health and wellness.
ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY SERVICES IS A 501c3 NON PROFIT ORGANIZTION

Our Teams


​Kim Fontaine & Keeva
​President & Director

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Kim Fontaine is the President and Director of AaTs Massachusetts and has been working with therapy dogs for over a decade. Kim holds an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology from Becker College and obtained her Professional Dog Trainer Certification through Animal Behavior College by apprenticing with Chris Patella, the founder of AaTs. Additionally, Kim has been a Massachusetts licensed horseback riding instructor since she was 18 years old and teaches lessons on her two horses, Mac and Lucy.

Kim and K9 Keeva are the primary K9 Unit for the Central Massachusetts Critical Incident Stress Management Team and are also a K9 First Responders Dog Team. Both groups provide psychological support to first responders and/or survivors following a traumatic incident using debriefing skills and Psychological First Aid, respectively. As active members, they are regularly attending voluntary training in order to attain additional credentials in this field.
  • A.S. Veterinary Technology from Becker College
  • Certified Dog Trainer from Animal Behavior College
  • AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
  • Certified Pet CPR and First Aid
  • K9 First Responders Dog Team
  • K9 Unit for the Central Massachusetts Critical Incident Stress Management Team
  • AKC Therapy Dog Advanced
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen
  • AKC Community Canine
  • AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen
  • AKC Trick Dog Intermediate
  • Emotional Support Dog (past)

Sam Smith & Copper
Therapy Dog Team

Robin Ingman & Sooley
Therapy Dog Team
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Sam and Copper have been together since she was 4 months old. Copper was adopted through Last Hope K-9 in Boston, MA. Copper is a mix of many breeds, but as far as her parents are concerned, she’s the perfect mutt.

Copper’s parents knew she was a perfect candidate for a therapy dog one afternoon when Copper was about 4 years old. Sam’s friend, Emily came by the house to have a puppy play date. Sam had her back to Emily while she told a story and the dogs were playing. Sam noticed that Copper stopped playing and walked over to Emily and put her head in her lap. Next thing Sam knew, Emily was crying. Copper was aware of a change in Emily’s voice and emotions before Sam ever did and wanted to provide support. Since then, her parents started seeing more and more behaviors similar to this one.
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Copper has since become Canine Good Citizen certified with Kim Fontaine (and Keeva!) and followed with Therapy Dog Training with them as well. Copper’s final test was on the campus of Holy Cross and from her first visitor, Sam knew she made the right decision to get Copper certified! 
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Sooley came into our lives when she was 3 weeks old.  A friend who knew her family, contacted us and told us she was being sold on Craigslist if she didn’t get someone willing to take her as she was a runt.  We convinced the people to keep her with her mom and siblings until she was 8 weeks old and ready to leave them.  Our “runt” weighs in at 80 pounds and is a German Shepherd/Husky mix.  Sooley is 6 years old now and shows a love of sports. 
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Sooley showed us her ability to read people and her gentle nature from early on.  This does not mean she wants to lay around and be cuddled though.  Her gift in the therapy world is play.  She will play all day long if allowed.  Her favorite form of playing is with sticks.  Throw a stick (or the teeniest twig) and she will retrieve it all day.  She also loves swimming, and scent work.  She’s all about a good game of “find it”. Her sensitivity knows no bounds. If she senses you (or her) are in trouble, she’s will end up scooting right under your legs for support. Ever feel the need for play? Throw a ball, frisbee, stick, or take a hike? Call Sooley! She’ll be happy to hang with you!
Photography:  Karyn Marquis Photography & MJS Image