What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?

An animal-assisted therapy program involves volunteers taking their skilled therapy animals to visit individuals in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, convalescent centers and schools, institutions for the mentally and physically challenged, libraries, shelters or other institutions. Many recipients of the program have difficulty in communicating with other people, but do respond to benefit from the interactions with the animals, which can be a positive step toward communicating with humans and can translate the trust and friendship they received into other areas of their lives.

The unconditional love offered by an animal, coupled with their non-judgmental attitude, make them ideal participants in emotional and physical therapy. The interaction of an individual and an animal, even on a temporary basis, has proven to be medically beneficial, as well as offering the recipient a morale-building experience.

Who is Suited for Animal-Assisted Therapy?

Because Lend A Heart certified therapy teams work in a variety of facilities and hospitals, it is necessary that both the pet and the handler be suited for this type of volunteer service work.

Your pet needs to be highly trained and socialized and you need to have the time and desire to become part of a team that takes their work and their commitments seriously. A well-trained pet therapy team will find this work tremendously rewarding. The clients, in our facilities, greatly benefit from our efforts.

All dogs must have a sound temperament and solid obedience training.  Therapy dogs are secure.  They enjoy people and willingly receive petting.  They are compatible with other dogs. All dogs must have solid obedience training, work well on leash, follow verbal commands readily, be at least one (1) year of age and be spayed or neutered. Your dog must be able to perform the following commands consistently: sit, down, sit-stay, down-stay, and walk on a loose leash, all while in a distracting setting.

Handlers must be confident and secure with their pets, and should communicate well with the elderly.

If you think you and your pet have the skills and temperament to do this kind of work, go to the link Become a Certified Lend A Heart Therapy Team and begin the process of certification.