www.newenglandpetpartners.org

Bringing People & Pets Together to Enhance Well-Being and Education

 through Pet-Assisted Therapy

 a smile, a word, a laugh

a deep breath, a hand reaching, a trust, a step forward,

a sense of self-worth, a walk outside, a small change that makes a big difference

Who We are:

       TheraPet is dedicated to providing a specially designed pet-assisted therapy program to support the needs of health care professionals, volunteers and organizations.  Through a structured, yet flexible plan, we can assist in developing a program and provide team training to integrate pet-assisted therapy an adjunct to existing treatment modalities.  

     Personal coaching, training, counseling and volunteer services (team visits) are provided by qualified and registered teams.  We adhere to the Standards and Practice of the Delta Society's Pet Partner^® Program.  The team works to create an integral treatment program designed to promote awareness, education and understanding to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation for children, groups, families and older adults with transitional, emotional and physical challenges.

Our Services:

•       Consultation / Counseling / Coaching

•       Program Development & Pet Partner Training

•       Team Handler Skills Training & Support

•       Team Evaluations / Instruction / Registered Teams

•       Visitation Program (registered teams)

What is Pet-Assisted Therapy?

       Pet-Assisted Therapy is a directed intervention that  utilizes specially trained pets such as dogs, cats or alternative animal species as catalysts to meet specific therapeutic goals.

     Pet-Assisted Therapy is delivered by a specialist, who in the scope of his/her professional practice includes pets, which meet specific criteria to participate as part of the treatment plan.  This specialist demonstrates expertise and skill with regard to human / animal interactions and clinical applications.  This individual complies with the legal and ethical requirements of his/her profession.

 What are the Benefits?

     Animals have benefited man since the beginning of time as working companions and friends. Today, we recognize the numerous benefits of owning a pet such as giving us a sense of well-being, safety, lowering our blood pressure and making us feel needed and important.  With our pets, we are never alone.  Beyond this, we know that integrating pets as catalysts in appropriate therapeutic environments enhance traditional therapies and recovery.

     In this era of managed care and cost reductions, Pet-Assisted Therapy allows the therapists to use one modality to target a variety of functional goals.  In a few sessions, a skilled therapist, can begin a connection (trust) as well as address physical and emotional goals in a delightful package that is delivered by a skilled team consisting of a human and a pet!  

Pet-Assisted Therapy benefits for a wide spectrum of populations (individuals and groups)

 to enhance recovery by . . . 

• Improving a patient's strength and endurance, range of motion, balance and mobility

• Improving physical, psychosocial and/or cognitive function of people who are being treated

• Making a connection and building trust that is sometimes lost between patient and human

• Enhancing psychosocial benefits such as building rapport, increasing self-esteem, 

  motivation and reducing stress

• Enhancing quality of life, offering support through difficult transitions and teaching life management skills

What is Pet-Assisted Activities (or visitation programs) and how does this differ from Pet-Assisted Therapy?

A visitation program or pet-assisted activities occurs when a carefully screened and trained pet accompanies her/his owner/handler to a facility to visit with patients (usually as volunteers).  The main goal of this type of program is socialization.  The teams provide opportunities for motivational, educational and recreational benefits.  The pets encourage smiles, touch and a sense of community.  

The team must still meet a certain criteria that will inspire confidence regarding health, grooming, behavior and social skills.  The team delivers interactions that can enhance existing programs in schools, healthcare facilities and other residential locations.  

Pet-assisted therapy is a goal directed intervention by a healthcare professional who, with their own pet or a skilled team, works toward optimum recovery on a committed basis with a specific patient or group.   

The Benefits of using Trained, Registered Teams

Teams that participate in AAT programs might be placed in very stressful, sometimes unpredictable situations when they work with patients.  The environments have a variety of sights, sounds, smells and spontaneous, sometimes peculiar behaviors.  A well trained dog who has been desensitized to all of these will rely on his owner for guidance.  Therefore, a trained team that has taken the initiative to work with distractions and get registered will be able to handle precarious situations in a proactive, predictable way.  This takes confidence and a solid relationship between owner and dog (or other species).

Health Screening for Pets and Owners

The veterinarian screens the prospective therapy dogs for intestinal parasites, overall good health, teeth and gums, healthy coat and skin condition and necessary "core" vaccinations (Distemper, Parvo, Rabies) and Bordatella, Lyme & Corona when necessary for their geographical areas.  The human side of the team should also be in good health, presenting themselves in a professional, savvy manner. 

What Animals are Appropriate for Inclusion into a Program?

The most popular for AAT programs are dogs and cats.  Many other species may be beneficial.  These include, but are not limited to, birds, rabbits, horses, llamas and goats.  The size and location of the facility, the patient population and the availability of appropriately skilled teams are a few factors to consider when choosing which "team" will be successfully utilized.

How do I set up an PAT Program?

To set up a successful PAT program, the facility's administration must begin with a well organized plan, and someone who will oversee the plan.  This should include:

• Clearly written policies and procedures

• Staff education about the proposed program

• Volunteer recruitment and training (for visiting programs)

• A plan for testing and training of the potential teams (this will require a licensed team instructor and evaluator ... go to www.deltasociety.org.

• A plan for implementation of the program and with what patients / groups

• For more detailed information on implementing a pet-assisted therapy program, please contact TheraPet, a division of Dog Talk^® at  (603) 635-DOGS (3647) and/or visit our Team website at www.newenglandpetpartners.org

• For More information about The Delta Society and valuable information about becoming a Registered Pet Partner, go to www.deltasociety.org.   

• Interested in the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs), go to www.therapyanimals.org. 

• Email us at dogtalktraining@comcast.net