Rise Wise Therapy Dog Association
Welcome to Rise Wise Therapy Dog Association (TDA), an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in Hong Kong through the incredible power of the human-animal bond. We provide pet-assisted wellness services to various institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and universities, libraries, and community partners throughout Hong Kong.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance well-being and bring comfort to individuals by utilizing pet-assisted therapy. Through our programs, we aim to create positive and therapeutic experiences for those in need, fostering emotional support, and promoting overall wellness.
Our Vision
At Rise Wise TDA, our vision is to become the leading provider of Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) wellness services in Hong Kong. We strive to be at the forefront of promoting and delivering the benefits of the human-animal bond to the community.
Our History
Rise Wise Therapy Dog Association was founded in 2017 by Anthea Yung. Initially, with just six volunteers, we began visiting four different facilities in Hong Kong. In February 2019, Rise Wise Foundation obtained charitable organization status with S88 designation from the IRD, marking an important milestone in our growth.
The year 2022 brought significant expansion for us. Our volunteers were accepted into the University of Hong Kong for animal-assisted activities, and we started providing animal-assisted therapy to schools and charitable organizations. With the support of our dedicated volunteers, we expanded our services to additional assisted-living facilities throughout Hong Kong.
In April 2024, Rise Wise Foundation partnered with Professor Paul Wong from HKU to implement the Therapy Dog Certification program. This comprehensive evaluation and education procedure is specifically designed for our therapeutic pet programs. As an internationally accredited association and a member of IAHAIO, we adhere to international AAI protocols and ethics, ensuring the safety and provision of AAI services.
Board of Directors
Rise Wise Therapy Dog Association is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors composed of volunteers who bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and a deep appreciation for the human-animal bond. Our Board members include:
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Ms. Anthea Yung
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Professor Dr. Paul Wong
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Mr. Jacob Yum
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Ms. Dayna Lim
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Ms. Fion Ng
Together, we are committed to upholding the values and principles of Rise Wise TDA, advancing the field of animal-assisted therapy, and making a positive difference in the lives of individuals in Hong Kong.
How to Become A Member
We warmly welcome members of the community who have domesticated, well-mannered, and well-behaved dogs to join our association. To participate in our dog therapy programs and make visits to individuals in need of comfort, certification is required. We offer a certification process for therapy dogs and their handlers, ensuring they meet the necessary standards to provide effective and safe pet-assisted therapy.
To learn more about our available programs and how to become a certified therapy dog team, please explore our website.
