The act of caring for someone is therapy. Therapeutic techniques can include art therapy, medicinal therapy, and psychotherapy. One very special technique is pet therapy.
Therapy Dogs, Inc. has approximately 10,000 members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Volunteers and their pets provide a wonderful service to those in hospitals, assisted living/nursing homes, medical centers and schools. The therapeutic benefits to the patients are emotional well-being and support. A relationship is established between the patient, the handler and the pet, as the visits become more regular.
Pet owners know the joy that these special companions bring to their lives. As a member/volunteer of pet therapy organizations, that special connection can be shared and benefit the lives of others. Studies suggest that the act of petting an animal can lower blood pressure and reduce stress, as well as draw patients out of feelings of isolation, depression and loneliness. The benefits to the handler and pet are enormous in terms of making a difference in a person’s life and providing the pet superb social skills in a variety of settings. Determining whether a pet and its owner will be a good fit for pet therapy is concluded through a series of visits to a facility.
The First Visit
After contacting a local pet therapy tester, a “shadow” visit is scheduled with only the volunteer. The potential volunteer then observes the tester and other pets in training with their owners. Interaction with patients and other pets gives the potential volunteer an idea of the procedures and regulations of the facility. With this visit, one can determine whether pet therapy is a good fit for him/her and the pet.
The Second and Third Visits
The second visit requires that the pet undergo a series of tests. The tester instructs the potential handler to walk with his pet on a four-foot leash, observing the pet’s behavior and the handler. Does the pet respond to the handler’s commands? Is the pet able to walk without barking or pulling? Does the pet stay on command? Does the handler praise the dog? Does the pet show any signs of aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs? The tester may then rub the pet around the mouth and body to determine if the pet may bite. Since hospitals and nursing home have unfamiliar equipment such as walkers or medical equipment, the tester may walk toward the pet unsteadily to observe the animal’s response or behavior. After a serious of testing the volunteer and pet then interact with the patients. At the end of this visit, the tester determines whether the pet is able to proceed to the third or final visit.
The final visit is scheduled soon after (within a week) and the volunteer and pet interact with patients, other members and their pets, along with the tester. The tester notes the pet’s behavior. If the pet showed signs of excitement before, is the pet now gaining a sense of how to behave in a medical setting with unfamiliar sounds, smells, and equipment? Is the pet responsive to the patient in a non-aggressive manner? This final visit determines whether the volunteer and his/her pet can be registered with the organization. Once accepted, an application, along with $25 is mailed to the corporate office and membership is established. Normally one visit a month to a facility is required to keep membership active. Scheduling visits is up to the volunteer and may be conducted with other members in a local group or alone.
A Rewarding Gift to All Concerned
Pet Therapy provides a positive and loving connection to those who may be elderly or ill. The gift of sharing a pet’s special personality with others is enormously rewarding for its owner, the pet, and the patient.
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