A new kind of therapy has officially arrived in Leesburg, and it has four legs and a whole lot of heart.
Heeling House, a nonprofit that pairs therapy dogs with children who have special needs, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 11, to celebrate the opening of its new location at 75 Lawson Road SE. While the organization has been serving the Northern Virginia area since 2013, this new space gives Heeling House a permanent home right here in Loudoun County.
The nonprofit’s mission is simple: to improve the lives of children through the power of Animal Assisted Interactions. Whether it’s supplementing therapy sessions, building social confidence in club settings, or just making summer camp a little more joyful, Heeling House integrates trained therapy animals into every aspect of their programming.
Monica Chiu, the organization’s director of outreach, said the response from the community has been heartwarming.
“We are so thankful for the warm welcome that Leesburg has given us and are excited to be a part of such a close-knit, supportive community,” said Chiu. “We look forward to bringing our animal-assisted therapy services to local residents and are looking forward to sharing the power of the human-animal bond with all animal lovers.”
This move into Leesburg brings Heeling House’s services closer to the many families in Loudoun who are seeking alternative or supplemental support for their children—especially those living with autism, anxiety, or developmental challenges.
As the county continues to grow, places like Heeling House offer more than just services—they provide community, connection, and comfort. That’s especially important in a place like Loudoun, where the pace of change can sometimes outstrip the support systems families rely on.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.heelinghouse.org
