HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING APRIL 30, 2026, AS "NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates April 30, 2026, as National Therapy Animal Day to officially recognize and promote the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.

04/30/2026 House read and passed

Basic Information

Title: House Resolution commemorating April 30, 2026 as “National Therapy Animal Day” in Rhode Island

Session/Jurisdiction: 2026 Rhode Island House of Representatives

Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Handy, Chippendale, Fogarty, Kennedy, Ajello, Phillips, Santucci, Boylan

Date Introduced: April 30, 2026

Status: Read and passed by the House on April 30, 2026

Sponsors/Co-sponsors: Includes a broad group of representatives (notably several members of the House leadership and members from multiple districts)

Purpose and Intent

The bill designates April 30, 2026, as “National Therapy Animal Day” in the State of Rhode Island.

It aims to recognize the role of therapy animals (including dogs, cats, and other animals) in providing comfort, joy, and healing to individuals in need.

The resolution emphasizes the human-animal bond as a therapeutic tool and encourages appreciation, promotion, and advocacy for animal-assisted therapy.

Key Provisions

Commemoration: Officially proclaims April 30, 2026, as National Therapy Animal Day in Rhode Island.

Recognition of Therapy Animals: Acknowledges that various species (dogs, cats, fish, guinea pigs, horses, etc.) can be involved in animal-assisted therapy, depending on therapeutic goals.

Benefits Highlighted: Outlines potential benefits of animal-assisted therapy, including:

Improved self-image and sense of competence
Nurtured sense of responsibility
Expression of feelings and distress through interaction with animals
Increased curiosity and motivation to learn
Positive emotional support and quality of life improvements

Public Awareness and Advocacy: Encourages ongoing public awareness and support for the benefits of human-animal bonding and therapy.

Authority and Endorsements: Directs the Rhode Island Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the public, to continue appreciating and promoting therapy animal benefits.

Affected Parties and Stakeholders

State Agencies: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recognized in the resolution as a lead entity to promote awareness and advocacy.

Organizations Involved in Therapy: Specifically mentions and acknowledges groups such as Paws from the Heart Pet Therapy and the Windwalker Humane Coalition for Professional Pet Assisted Therapy, indicating they are recipients of the resolution’s acknowledgment.

General Public: Rhode Island residents are encouraged to appreciate and support therapy animals and the benefits of human-animal interactions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Effective Date: The resolution takes effect upon adoption by the Rhode Island House of Representatives (no separate enactment date required beyond passage).

Next Steps: The Secretary of State is authorized to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the DHHS and named therapy organizations, formalizing the recognition.

Potential Impact

Provides formal state-level recognition of the value of animal-assisted therapy.

May bolster awareness, support, and funding for therapy-animal programs and related organizations.

Could serve as a basis for future state initiatives, policy discussions, or collaborations aimed at expanding access to therapy-animal services.

If you’d like, I can adapt this summary for a policy brief, a press release, or a quick-reference fact sheet.

Bill