Pet Therapy
The comfort of a gentle visit
The companionship and unconditional love of a pet touches our hearts and makes us feel good. Our pet therapy program, sometimes called animal therapy, brings that joy to hospice patients and the families who love them.
The Benefits of Pet Therapy
A simple visit from a gentle animal can make a real difference.
Physical comfort
Time with a therapy animal may help patients feel calmer and more comfortable, including:
- Lower stress and more relaxation
- A sense of ease that can help with pain
- Calming endorphins released through touch and companionship
- Lower blood pressure for some patients
Emotional wellbeing
The emotional benefits are just as important. A visit can bring:
- Relief from loneliness, worry and sadness
- An easier way to start a conversation
- An uplifting break from the day
- A warm, physical connection through touch
- Happy memories of beloved family pets
What a Visit Looks Like
A volunteer handler brings a trained therapy animal to visit patients where they live, whether that is at home, in a care facility or in one of our care centers. Families are welcome to join, and visits move at the patient's pace.
Made Possible by Generosity
Based on appropriateness for patient care, pet therapy is available in most service areas thanks to the generosity of donors to our local foundations.
