New York

Central New York

Love on a Leash®

Love on a Leash® – Central New York Chapter is part of the national nonprofit Love on a Leash®, which is dedicated to providing comfort, happiness, and healing through volunteer pet therapy.

The Central New York chapter supports and connects certified therapy pet teams—handlers and their dogs, cats or rabbits—who visit schools, nursing homes, libraries, and community programs. These visits are designed to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and foster positive human connection through animal interaction.

As a local extension of the national organization, the chapter offers group visits, supervised visits, and social opportunities for members while maintaining the high standards and certification requirements of Love on a Leash®. It also serves as a point of contact for facilities and individuals in the Central New York community seeking therapy animal visits.

Meet Our Chapter Co-Leaders

Catherine had been a member of Love on a Leash since 2024. She has learned so much from some amazing people within the group. As the new chapter co-leader for Love on a Leash® Central New York, Catherine is passionate about strengthening the bond between people and dogs while promoting the healing power of animal companionship. Her mission, with her certified Therapy dog Penny and soon to be certified dog Mookie, is to expand therapy dog work within the community and help spread the unconditional love, comfort, and connection that dogs naturally provide.

Cathrine Perry

Chapter Leader

I, Joyce Rienzo, Co-chapter leader for Love on a Leash® Central New York Chapter, has been a member since 2017. I have had the joy of working, visiting, and learning, from a great group of people on Long Island and Central New York. All volunteers have been dedicated to making people happy with their pets. Thank you Love on a Leash® volunteer, Kristen Kranjc (LI) for your dedication and introduction to the world of therapy dogs for me and my two Wheaten terriers, Bette & Una.