Pet Therapy Benefits:
- Research has shown that the physical well-being of people improves when pet therapy is available. Simply petting an animal has been shown to lower a person’s blood pressure and reduce heart rate.
- The handler/animal teams provide positive interactions that bring joy to all involved.
- It educates those inexperienced with animals on the value of human/animal contact.
- It deepens the bond between a handler and their dog by providing an activity that they can participate in together.
- It fulfills a working dog's need to have a job to do.
What Makes a Good Therapy Dog?
(taken from Alliance of Therapy Dogs brochure)
We look for well-mannered, well-behaved dogs that enjoy meeting people. ATD doesn't require formal training, certifications, or tests other than our own. ATD is open to register any breed of dog except wolf or coyote mixes. Dogs must be one year of age, have a calm and gentle disposition, and be attentive to their handler. Participating dogs are evaluated and approved through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs guidelines. For more information visit Alliance of Therapy Dog's website at https://www.therapydogs.com/
PAWS 4 Therapy & Paws to read
Our PAWS 4 Therapy program offers support to people of all ages throughout the Peoria area with regular visits to area hospitals, long-term health care facilities, schools, libraries, residential facilities and businesses. Participating dogs are evaluated and required to be registered therapy dogs prior to visiting locations.
Pet therapy applies one of the biggest benefits of the human-animal bond - the power to heal. Our volunteer and dog teams provide positive interactions that enrich the lives of all invloved, including residents, clients, facility staff, and volunteers. Research shows that the physical and mental well-being of people improves when pet therapy is available.
The Peoria Humane Society understands the value of the human/animal bond and remains committed to sharing our therapy dogs with those in need.
The PHS's pet therapy program strives to bring encouragement and joy to people in need and we can't do that without our volunteers!
Peoria Humane Society is looking for volunteers to help us provide support to people in our community through therapy dog visits. For more information on how to get involved, call or email program coordinator Kitty Yanko at 309-682-9015 or [email protected].
