What is it like to volunteer with a Therapy Dog?
Love people and have a friendly, easy-going dog? Learn about enhancing the lives of people through the Pet Encounter Therapy program.
Tag Archives: Pet Encounter Therapy program
The Pet Encounter Therapy (P.E.T.) program brings the unconditional love and tactile benefits of animals to people in facilities such as abused children’s shelters, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and senior centers. Groups also have the option to visit the Center for on-site programs. Staff and volunteers take dogs, rabbits, birds, or guinea pigs to visit more than 45 facilities a month, with many organizations on our waiting list. Studies document that holding and caressing an animal provides benefits such as relaxation, lower blood pressure, improved long- and short-term memory, and sensory stimuli.
Inspiring Animal Assisted Therapy Stories
When you give a dog a little love, the sky’s the limit. Find out how therapy dogs Hudson and Pilot are changing lives in San Diego.
Celebrating Service Dogs, Military Dogs, Working Dogs
Happy Work Like a Dog Day! We know of many dogs who work hard to enhance the quality of life for people, and even other animals, around them. Today, we are celebrating those working dogs who make the world a better place!
Pet Encounter Therapy Volunteer Memories
During Pet Encounter Therapy visits, we have seen many miraculous things such as movement from an unresponsive patient or heard words spoken for the first time – all to the amazement of fellow residents, staff members and Pet Encounter Therapy volunteers. Experience our favorite and most heartwarming moments.
Harriet, a Feathered Vessel of Healing
Harriet joyfully worked in the PET program and touched the lives of thousands of children and adults. Her specialty was reaching out to those individuals that couldn’t reach out to her. It is with incredible sadness to share that Harriet, our close friend, has passed away. Staff and volunteers surrounded her with love as her spirit was set free.
La Jolla Termite and Pest Control Rallies to Help Children
This generous donation will help us to provide many of these kids with the unconditional love of our special animals on every visit. They depend on our therapy animals to be there so they can listen to their fears, offer a furry shoulder to hug and a wagging tail to let them know that they are loved.
Harriet, our Therapy Wonderbird
Umbrella Cockatoo Enhances Lives Across San Diego Have you met Harriet, our Umbrella Cockatoo Therapy Bird? Animals often bring out the best in people. They can calm hyperactive children or […]
