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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 also certified as therapy pet handlers. Most of our therapy pets are dogs or cats; however, occasionally we have certified horses and other animals that have the temperament to work with people and provide a service.
What is a Therapy Pet?
A therapy pet may be any size, breed, color, shape, sex or age, at least one year of age. The most important factor is the pet's personality and discipline. They should be even-tempered, good-natured, happy to be around people, and respond with enthusiasm. And they should be well behaved in any type of social situation, and respond well to any command by their handler. 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. Therapy pets must be able to 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. An example would be dogs used in a classroom to encourage autistic children in communication.
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