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What We Do
We operate on a non-profit basis and maintain an all volunteer organization. Our therapy pets are all privately owned and visit facilities on a regular basis. We do not raise or train dogs to be service or companion animals, only to provide pet provided or pet assisted therapy. At the end of a visit all animals go home with their owners who are certified as their therapy pet handlers. Most of our therapy pets are dogs or cats; however, we occasionally have certified rabbits, horses and other animals with the proven temperament to become certified as a therapy pet.
What is a Therapy Pet?
Therapy dogs and cats may be any breed size, breed, color, shape, or sex, and must at least one year of age. The most important factor is the pet's personality and discipline to respond well to any command by their handler. It is not about showmanship, it is all about temperament and control. They must be good-natured, happy to be around people, remain even-tempered, and respond with enthusiasm in any type of social situation. The ideal therapy pet should be alert and attentive to what is going on around, but focused enough to remember what they are supposed to be doing and interact with other pets in a calm, controlled manner.
A therapy pet has three primary functions:
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Provide emotional support. Pets and their owners visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools to provide emotional support. They put a smile on someone's face, make their day a little brighter, or bring back a cherished memory.
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Physical therapy. Pets and their owners work with a patient along side a health-care professional, such as a physical therapist, speech therapist or any other health care professional, as a team.
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Crisis Intervention. Pets can be beneficial in helping to create a non-threatening environment for those in need. For example, a child who has been tramatized may be reluctant to talk to authorities or health care professionals, but may be more willing to open up to a pet.
What is the difference between Pet Provided Therapy and Pet Assisted Therapy?
The term pet provided therapy and pet assisted therapy are sometimes confusing. The purpose of pet provided therapy is primarily social. The purpose of pet assisted therapy, on the other hand, is to achieve a particular goal. Examples would be dogs used in a classroom to encourage autistic children in communication, or in a health center to encourage physical or speach therapy for trauma or stroke victims.
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