"PACIFIC ANIMAL THERAPY SOCIETY" PROGRAM
WHATAnimal therapy program where volunteers take their pets to visit seniors in hospitals, retirement facilities, group homes, long-term care facilities and other facilities where residents benefit from interaction with pets.
WHYA dog in a nursing home or other facility can be the high point of a senior who is not able to get around. Senior residents may be able to lower high blood pressure and seniors in rehabilitation or hospital may be able to reduce their stay when they have therapeutic access to pets.
WHEREVancouver Island, Campbell River, Parksville/Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni and Smithers, British Columbia, Canada.
Program Description
"Several breakthroughs have been noticed where folks are smiling and talking and staff have said that this has never happened before. Just as a client may form a bond with your pet, volunteers may also form a special bond with a client so all three: pet, client and volunteer receive blessings through this friendship."
-patspets.ca
Pet therapy visits in nursing homes and other facilities can encourage seniors with memory loss to reminisce. The presence of pets can also encourage seniors to engage in social interaction, and physiotherapy.
Volunteers can learn how to become certified for pet therapy with the “Pacific Animal Therapy Society” Program by visiting the program website.
Generally all therapy dogs must be healthy and have up to date vaccinations. Volunteers must begin by having their dog pass a behavior test at a veterinary clinic, attend an orientation which covers visiting etiquette, safety procedures and confidentiality, attend pet therapy training and pay a membership fee to become registered.
source: patspets.ca
WATCH VIDEO ON HOW "PACIFIC ANIMAL THERAPY SOCIETY" PROGRAM WORKS |
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ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY IN NURSING HOMES:
Therapy Dogs International Nursing Home Program - Across the USA and areas in Canada. Provides free visits of dogs to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, hospices and other facilities to provide regular animal assisted therapy, an interactive nursing home activity and to give companionship to elderly.
Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program - Program widely available across the United States, Canada, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Norway, and several other countries.
Trains pet owners and pets on how to visit nursing homes, hospice, hospitals, physical therapy centers, long-term care facilities and other facilities to provide animal assisted activities.
Therapy Dogs Inc. Program - Program available across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories. Provides registration, support, and insurance for those involved in volunteer animal assisted activities.
Terminally Ill & Their Pets
Pets and Seniors Companionship
Service Dogs for Elderly