Pet Therapy
Bideawee was one of the first humane organizations to establish a pet therapy program. Launched in 1982, our program has grown to include dedicated two-legged pet therapy volunteers and their 168 dogs, 8 cats, 3 rabbits and one 230 lb. black pig.
What is Pet Therapy?
Children and adults in health care and special education facilities visited by our pet therapy pairs enjoy a positive impact on their quality of life. For some, pet therapy visits are their only contact with the outside world. The pairs often become part of the "family" and eagerly look forward to making their next visit. In turn, the patients and residents delight in the cuddles, love and friendship these visits bring. The opportunity to receive the unconditional love and acceptance of the animals provides medical and emotional benefits such as lower blood pressure, stress relief, decreased feelings of loneliness and depression, and increased responsiveness.
An anecdote from one of our many partner organizations:
On a recent visit to a nursing home, a son sat quietly with his elderly father. A Bideawee Pet Therapy volunteer brought over Goldie, a beautiful golden retriever. The dog licked the old man's face and wagged his tail wildly. The man turned to his son and said, "Dave, I've always loved golden retrievers." The son's eyes filled with tears. It seems his father was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and hadn't recognized his son nor called him by name in years.
What are some basic pre-requisites to become a pet therapy volunteer team?
If you think you and your companion animal will enjoy a rewarding experience of bringing happiness to others less fortunate then keep reading.
The Typical Therapy Animal:
Since the animal is the main attraction in pet therapy it is vital that your companion animal enjoys the service as much as you do. It doesn’t matter if your pet is a dog, cat, rabbit or other small animal, he should be well socialized and used to crowds. This type of service is not for the independent or shy type but more for animals that thrive on lots of attention and contact.
The Typical Therapy Volunteer:
The human part of the team must be engaging, social and non-judgmental. The person must also be sympathetic, empathetic and caring. Depending on the population, you may see members of the elderly, handicapped, developmentally challenged and children who are very ill.
The person plays a dual role of engaging people and staying in tune with their pet throughout the entire pet therapy visit. This team member must be able to pick up signals of stress and fear in order to ensure safety and control at all times
Animal Assisted Therapy Registration:
As of July 1, 2008, Bideawee is accepting volunteer teams who are registered with a nationally recognized animal assisted therapy organization such as the Delta Society. Local organizations will be considered upon an evaluation of their guidelines. However, we do accept a New York City registration from the Good Dog Foundation.
Bideawee now offers Therapy Prep Classes for people interested in volunteering their services to this program.
Becoming a Bideawee Pet Therapy Team:
Once you and your animal are registered as an Animal Assited Therapy Pair, contact one of Bideawee’s Learning Centers.
Bideawee will ask you to complete some paperwork to get the application process started. Part of the application process includes an interview and a background check.
After the application process is complete, our Learning Centers will match you and your pet with an appropriate organization.
Bideawee offers Delta Society Therapy Prep Classes. Start the process today and make a difference in someone's life!"
Benefits of volunteering for Bideawee’s Pet Therapy & Reading to Dogs Programs:
- Bideawee is one of the nation’s oldest humane societies that provides a variety of services to the community. Volunteers are proud to represent Bideawee!
- Bideawee matches volunteers with an approved partnering organization so they don’t have to do the leg work.
- Bideawee provides support during all volunteer’s first visits to ensure that they are comfortable and well taken care of at the facility they are visiting. After that, we are there for support to answer any questions.
- Bideawee helps with scheduling visits.
- Bideawee shares the latest information about Animal Assisted Therapy with volunteers.
- All Pet Therapy & Reading to Dogs volunteers receive a 20% discount to our Westhampton and Manhattan Veterinary Practice for their pet therapy partner after 6 months of service.
- Bideawee is working on plans to establish support groups where therapy pairs can network and provide advice for each other.
Hannah - We will miss you
We at Bideawee are saddened by the news that Hannah, our very first Pet Therapy dog, has unexpectedly passed away due to bloat. Read more>>
