PET THERAPY: VOLUNTEER WITH YOUR PET

Pet therapy programs help to meet the specific needs of the elderly and physical infirmed who often experience long and frustrating periods of loneliness in socially isolating conditions. Using your pet in social rehabilitation efforts provides a fun and friendly way to bring joy to the lives of the elderly and physically infirmed. For those of us who have a special bond with our pets, this approach is equally rewarding for the owner as well.

Pet therapy programs are of tremendous benefit to people in various nursing scenarios. Studies have documented that the interaction gained through pet therapy programs and those participating is invaluable to the recovery process.

Recently, the American Heart Association published a study suggesting that pet therapy programs (in particular, therapy involving dogs) reduced stress levels in heart patients. Patients in nursing homes and long-term care facilities often crave simple companionship, are sometimes alienated from family or friends, and just need to see a friendly face. Many patients were once themselves pet owners and remember how just a casual encounter with a friendly pet can make them feel like the center of the universe.

The effects of pet therapy programs on the lonely are of no small consequence. Visits to hospices, nursing centers, and healthcare facilities are tantamount to volunteer efforts accomplished by owners and their pets.

Most pet therapy programs identify two primary forms of volunteer assistance. Animal-assisted activities allow owner and pet to interact casually with a patient, without the addition of measurable data. Animal-assisted therapy follows the same course with the exception that the interactions are measured and data are recorded to further assist patients in their recovery. This second type is generally reserved for healthcare professionals. Dog-Play offers practical advice and articles for would-be volunteers looking to place their pets in pet therapy programs.

First, get yourself and your pet certified for animal-assisted therapy:

• The Delta Society offers pet therapy certification via its Pet Partner program.
• Therapy Dogs International offers dog therapy registration, after your dog passes an obedience and control evaluation at any of its nationwide testing sites.
• The Foundation for Pet Provided Therapy offers a Love on a Leash program which allows the pet obedience test to be administered by any professional dog trainer.

Alternatively, there are many local pet therapy organizations that may also offer training and certification for animal-assisted therapy.

Your certifying organization can help you find a local nursing home or long-term care facility that welcomes certified therapy pets.

Be prepared to participate in a training course and to confirm that your pet receives regular health screenings. Safeguards such as these ensure that patients served by pet therapy programs receive only the best care and attention.