Companion Animal Association of Arizona, Inc.

Companion Animal Association of Arizona, Inc. The CAAA is a group of volunteer social pet therapy teams who visit adult residential and healthcare of Economic Security, AZ Dept.

CAAA was recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Arizona as of April 1, 1983. A bit of our history follows:

Our founder, Juana Lyon, attended the First International Conference on the Human/Companion Animal Bond in Philadelphia in 1981 and introduced the only adopted resolution which called upon Congress and others to work for humane regulations permitting pet ownership in federally funded housing for senior citizens and the disabled. Later in 1981, as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging, she was able to get the resolution passed and approved there, as well. To begin the work of formulating recommendations for follow up action in Arizona, in Juana’s capacity as Program Development Operations Manager for the Aging and Adult Administration of the Arizona Department of Economic Security, she assembled an Arizona task force of folks representing: AZ Dept. of Health Services, AZ Veterinary Medical Assoc., the School of Social Work at ASU, and the AZ Federation for Animal Welfare (31 Arizona humane organizations). After much hard work, S.B. 1184 was passed and signed on April 20, 1983 by the then Governor of Arizona Bruce Babbitt and it became law as of July 27, 1983. Although limited to public housing, the bill represented an important milestone in efforts by CAAA to end the discrimination against elderly pet owners residing in rental accommodations. Word spread throughout the United States and Canada and many letters and telephone calls were received by CAAA requesting advice or information on how similar action could be initiated in other areas. Those early successes reinforced the vital importance of a national groundswell in favor of companion animals and pet-facilitated therapy to be translated into more widespread practical application. CAAA is extremely proud of its beginnings, as well as to our co-founder Charlotte Busick Thompson, and all who were dedicated to accomplish those early milestones.

01/28/2025

CAAA is looking to recruit pet therapy teams who'd be excited to create some new 'pawsitive' relationships with those in elder care facilities who would very much appreciate a visit from a furry friend ! Check out our web site on how to join:

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for people by promoting the Human/Companion Animal Bond. We are proud to have visited thousands of elderly, sick, and disabled people in elder care...

12/09/2024

December 2024

TO OUR MEMBERSHIP:

CAAA is very proud to have reached a 41-year milestone having visited thousands of elderly, sick and disabled residents in elder care facilities.

In 1982, a Task Force on Companion Animals for the Elderly was established in Arizona. With the co-sponsorship of 30 federal, state, and local agencies and organizations in the fields of aging, behavioral health, education, veterinary medicine, housing, social services, and the humane interests, the first Arizona conference on Companion Animals for the Elderly was created.

In 1983, community interest established at the conference led to incorporation (501(c)(3)) of the Task Force, as the Companion Animal Association of Arizona, Inc..

This past year CAAA participated in community events where we were able to expand our outreach and provide pet therapy teams for special events.

Companion Animal Association of Arizona, Inc. accomplishes all of this work with no paid staff. We are an all-volunteer organization supported by a board of 'working' officers and directors who ensure our program continues to successfully operate.

Our heartfelt thanks to our pet therapy teams who give their gift of time to those who need the warmth and compassion that pet therapy provides.

For our general membership who contributes monetarily, we are extremely thankful for your continued support. Your commitment of on-going contributions is the reason we continue to make a positive impact in the lives of the most vulnerable.

We are also exited to report our Margie Miller Helping Hand fund assisted many elderly and disabled persons this year who are on a fixed income with their pet medical care, so their pets do not suffer when they simply do not have the funds in their personal budget.

And finally, after 24 years of volunteer service, our Vice President Nancy Parker is resigning from her position. We will miss her unwavering support, her leadership and her skills over the years providing CGC testing and pet therapy evaluation knowledge, as a TDI evaluator. We were humbled by her commitment of managing the Margie Miller program maintaining the focus of its mission. The gift of time is priceless and we will miss Nancy and her volunteer spirit.

Kind wishes to all for a happy and healthy New Year! May you and your family stay safe and healthy and be able to spend quality time with one another during the holidays.

Sincerely,

THE CAAA BOARD

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for people by promoting the Human/Companion Animal Bond. We are proud to have visited thousands of elderly, sick, and disabled people in elder care...

10/31/2024
CAAA is looking to recruit pet therapy teams who'd be excited to create some new 'pawsitive' relationships with those in...
08/18/2024

CAAA is looking to recruit pet therapy teams who'd be excited to create some new 'pawsitive' relationships with those in elder care facilities who would very much appreciate a visit from a furry friend ! Check out our web site on how to join:

Interested in our pet therapy program? Fantastic! To make sure that you and your pet are a perfect match for what we do, please read through the basics below, and if you are still interested, visit...

03/06/2023

The mission of Companion Animal Association of AZ., Inc. (CAAA) is to enhance the quality of life for people by promoting the Human/Companion Animal Bond. Today, CAAA maintains a network of community volunteers and works cooperatively with several organizations and individuals with similar objectives.

The establishment of CAAA was the result of several early initiatives driven by Juana Lyon and other key individuals.

In 1981, the first International Conference on the Human/Companion Animal Bond was held in Philadelphia. The result of this conference led to legislation being passed in Congress enabling the elderly of federally assisted housing projects to keep their pets.

In 1982, a Task Force on Companion Animals for the Elderly was established in Arizona. With the co-sponsorship of 30 federal, state, and local agencies and organizations in the fields of aging, behavioral health, education, veterinary medicine, housing, social services, and the humane interests, the first Arizona conference on Companion Animals for the Elderly was created.

In 1983, community interest established at the conference led to incorporation (501(c)(3)) of the Task Force, as the Companion Animal Association of Arizona.

Since then, CAAA has continued to grow and expand its outreach in support of the human/companion animal bond. CAAA and its programs have thrived over the past 40 years because of the commitment and caring of its volunteers and supporters.

Happy Holidays !
12/11/2022

Happy Holidays !

Address

P. O. Box 5006
Scottsdale, AZ
85261

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(602) 258-3306

Website

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Our Story

CAAA was recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Arizona as of April 1, 1983. A bit of our history follows: Our founder, Juana Lyon, attended the First International Conference on the Human/Companion Animal Bond in Philadelphia in 1981 and introduced the only adopted resolution which called upon Congress and others to work for humane regulations permitting pet ownership in federally funded housing for senior citizens and the disabled. Later in 1981, as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging, she was able to get the resolution passed and approved there, as well. To begin the work of formulating recommendations for follow up action in Arizona, in Juana’s capacity as Program Development Operations Manager for the Aging and Adult Administration of the Arizona Department of Economic Security, she assembled an Arizona task force of folks representing: AZ Dept. of Economic Security, AZ Dept. of Health Services, AZ Veterinary Medical Assoc., the School of Social Work at ASU, and the AZ Federation for Animal Welfare (31 Arizona humane organizations). After much hard work, S.B. 1184 was passed and signed on April 20, 1983 by the then Governor of Arizona Bruce Babbitt and it became law as of July 27, 1983. Although limited to public housing, the bill represented an important milestone in efforts by CAAA to end the discrimination against elderly pet owners residing in rental accommodations. Word spread throughout the United States and Canada and many letters and telephone calls were received by CAAA requesting advice or information on how similar action could be initiated in other areas. Those early successes reinforced the vital importance of a national groundswell in favor of companion animals and pet-facilitated therapy to be translated into more widespread practical application. CAAA is extremely proud of its beginnings, as well as to our co-founder Charlotte Busick Thompson, and all who were dedicated to accomplish those early milestones.