FACT: Animals have an incredible ability to help us slow down, smile, and feel present. A quiet purr, a playful kitten, or a cat settling beside you can create a sense of calm when words are difficult to find.
At Rock n’ Rescue, the human-animal connection is at the heart and soul of our mission. Our Wellness Center is a dedicated space where people can experience the comfort, connection, and healing that animals can bring.
Marla Valentine, a Rock n’ Rescue board member and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, helped lay the foundation for our therapy programs back in 2018. She initiated visits to Ann’s Place and local nursing homes, bringing rescue animals to people in need of comfort, companionship, and connection. Her early vision and dedication helped our mission of rescuing pets to rescue people grow into the expanding therapy and wellness programs we offer today.
Located in Bedford Hills, New York, our Center is the first of its kind to focus exclusively on cat and kitten-assisted therapy and wellness. Licensed clinical care, community programs, and rescue come together in one special place, creating meaningful experiences for people while giving our animals love, enrichment, and socialization.
The Power of the Human-Animal Connection
Animal-Assisted Intervention is the purposeful inclusion of an animal in a therapeutic, educational, or wellness experience. At Rock n’ Rescue, every interaction is designed around the needs of the participant and the comfort and well-being of the animal.
Some of our offerings are clinical therapy services led by a licensed mental health professional. Others are nonclinical wellness and community programs created to encourage connection, learning, relaxation, and joy. We will help you find the program that is the best fit.
Clinical Animal-Assisted Therapy
Our Director of Therapy may incorporate carefully selected cats or kittens into individual and group therapy sessions when it is appropriate for the client and their treatment goals.
Animals can provide consistency, comfort, and affection without requiring words. Their presence may help clients feel more at ease, practice emotional regulation, build trust, and participate more fully in the therapeutic process.
Clinical services may support people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, stress, and social or emotional challenges. The role of an animal is determined by the therapist following an intake and based on each client’s individual needs.
Group sessions combine professional guidance, peer connection, and carefully structured interaction with animals. Groups may focus on shared experiences, emotional wellness, coping skills, confidence, or social connection.
Wellness and Community Programs
Our work extends beyond the therapy room. Rock n’ Rescue offers programs for children, teens, families, first responders, seniors, schools, workplaces, and community organizations.
Coffee & Kittens for First Responders
Coffee & Kittens offers first responders and their immediate families a comfortable place to unwind, enjoy coffee, and spend time with playful kittens. It is an opportunity to recharge, connect, and experience the benefits of animal companionship in a relaxed environment.
Kitty Klub
Through Kitty Klub, our cats and kittens visit nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and Ann’s Place in Danbury. Participants have the opportunity to hold, pet, cuddle, and play with our special animals, creating moments of comfort, connection, and plenty of smiles.
Interested in bringing Kitty Klub to your facility? Contact us to discuss a visit.
Project PAWS
Project PAWS brings animal-assisted wellness and education into schools, reaching more than 500 students each year. Our programs help students explore empathy, emotional wellness, responsible pet care, and the healing connection between people and animals.
Programs can be adapted to meet the needs of a classroom, grade level, or school community.
Read to Kitty
Read to Kitty gives children the chance to practice reading aloud to calm, nonjudgmental feline listeners. Children can build confidence and strengthen their reading skills while our cats enjoy gentle attention and positive interaction. This smile-filled program is a perfect balance of literacy, confidence, and animal enrichment.
Rock n’ Rescue Roadies
Rock n’ Rescue Roadies is our Youth Advisory Board for high school students ages 16 and older. Members explore mental health advocacy, community engagement, leadership, and the human-animal connection while helping make a difference for pets and people.
Corporate Wellness Programs
Bring a little calm, connection, and kitten-powered joy to the workday. Rock n’ Rescue offers customized corporate wellness programs that give employees an opportunity to step away from daily pressures, recharge, and connect through guided interaction with our friendly cats and kittens. Programs can be tailored for employee appreciation, team building, stress relief, or an unforgettable workplace wellness experience.
Kitty Cuddle Sessions
Does your workplace, school, or organization need some de-stressing? A Kitty Cuddle Session brings a special group of cats or kittens to a safe, prepared space for gentle interaction, play, and plenty of snuggles. These nonclinical wellness visits are designed to provide a positive break, encourage connection, and bring some much-needed smiles to the day.
Whether you are interested in a reading program, senior visit, wellness session, educational presentation, or customized animal-assisted experience, we would love to hear from you. Tell us about your group, your goals, and the type of program you are considering. Together, we can create the perfect fit.
Rock n’ Rescue Wellness Center
3 Babbitt Road, 2nd Floor
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
For general questions and inquiries
Contact: James Scova
Email: james@rnrpets.org
Phone: (914) 688-5499
Help Us Rescue Pets to Rescue People
Your support helps Rock n’ Rescue provide animal-assisted therapy, community wellness programs, outreach, and exceptional care for the animals who make this work possible.
Make a gift, sponsor a program, volunteer, or speak with us about a community or corporate partnership. Together, we can bring healing, connection, and plenty of kitten cuddles to more people.
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