TrinityK9z is Trinity Counseling Ministries' pet therapy and animal-assisted outreach ministry. Since 2015, we have trained hundreds of pet therapy teams — volunteers and their dogs — and sent them into assisted living facilities across Southern Orange County to bring comfort, connection, and joy to seniors who are failing to thrive.
Sometimes Healing Arrives on Four Legs
TrinityK9z: Pet Therapy and Animal-Assisted Outreach in Southern Orange County
Many seniors in assisted living today are suffering from depression and deep isolation. As their independence fades, their worlds shrink — often to the confines of a single room. Human connection is a cornerstone of a long, healthy life, and yet thousands of vulnerable seniors go days, weeks, or months without meaningful interaction.
TrinityK9z was built to close that gap.
We train and equip volunteers and their dogs to enter this vulnerable community with purpose and care. A well-trained therapy dog does more than visit. They create a physical bridge to the heart. Research confirms that petting a dog releases oxytocin, a natural hormone that fosters bonding and healing. Through joyful, consistent visits, moods are lifted, residents reengage with the world around them, and the weight of isolation begins to lift.
Since our founding, TrinityK9z has trained hundreds of pet therapy teams and touched the lives of thousands of seniors in Southern Orange County who were once failing to thrive.
All of our therapy dog teams are trained under the leadership of Jonathan Wood, an AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and Trainer and graduate of the Extreme K-9 Psychology Institute in Marion, Illinois. Jonathan has spent years volunteering with Alzheimer's and hospice patients, and he brings that firsthand experience to every training he leads.
Loneliness Is a Crisis — and It's Hiding in Plain Sight
Training Volunteers and Their Dogs to Serve Isolated Seniors
One of our most unique and cherished offerings is the TrinityK9z Miniature Horse Hospice Care Team. These specially trained miniature horses bring an unmatched sense of wonder, calm, and connection to hospice patients in their final season of life. It is sacred work, and it is unlike anything else available in our region.
The Miniature Horse Hospice Care Team
a one-of-a-kind ministry
Do you have a dog with a calm, friendly temperament? We will train you both. Becoming a certified pet therapy team is a meaningful, manageable commitment, and the impact on the seniors you will serve is immeasurable. We handle the training. You bring the love.
Every therapy dog team begins with our 6-week American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen training program, grounded in positive reinforcement and canine psychology. We don't just train dogs. We build partnerships. By the time you and your dog complete the program, you'll be equipped and ready to serve with confidence. Successful completion also brings the pride of having an official AKC Canine Good Citizen designation.
Training covers: attentiveness and focus, walking and leash manners, sit/wait and recall, navigating distraction, socialization, traveling, grooming, working alongside others, and thriving in multi-animal environments. Everything you need to show up well for the seniors who need you most.
Proof of vaccinations is required for participation.
We are now accepting sign-ups for our next class.
We would love to have you.
Join the Ministry
volunteer
Your monthly financial gift directly funds our community training programs and the Miniature Horse Hospice Care Team. By committing to a recurring monthly gift, you help determine how many seniors we can reach. Every dollar is a bridge between a lonely person and a moment of genuine connection.