Petting-PUPS
There are many terms used to describe ways in which animals can help rehabilitate and heal persons with special needs. These include animal assisted activities (AAA) or animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Pets can help people with a variety of mental, emotional and physical disabilities. Pets can have positive effects on residents of long-term care facilities. Interest in surroundings, mental health, activity, social interaction and communication are often improved.
Many people find it easier to bond to an animal than to other people. The safety in this bonding can lead the way to the development of similar relationships with other people. Loving an animal is not threatening and can quickly heal any emotional scars on the human heart.
Pet therapy visitations can fulfill a very important need for the elderly. So many people have to part with their pets when they go into nursing homes and assisted living centers. Many of them become withdrawn and depressed. On many occasions, visits changed the lives and improved the happiness of the elderly in institutions. It gives them a point of communication, and it has been proved and well documented that physical contact with a pet is therapeutic. An inherent trait in humans is the need for attachment to others. Visiting teams provide that attachment. When a patient looks at a dog, strokes him and talks to him, the blood pressure goes down, temperature decreases and a sense of well-being increases.
The process for becoming a Domesti-PUPS Therapy Dog:
Once a team is certified, they continue doing two visits each month (one visit per month for Edu-PUPS) to remain active in the group. Teams will visit specific facilities that we have relationships with (nursing homes, schools, hospitals, hospice, events). Teams are also expected to volunteer at events to promote the organization when possible.
If you have interest in becoming a certified Petting-PUPS team with your dog, email info@domesti-pups.org, or reserve your spot.
Many people find it easier to bond to an animal than to other people. The safety in this bonding can lead the way to the development of similar relationships with other people. Loving an animal is not threatening and can quickly heal any emotional scars on the human heart.
Pet therapy visitations can fulfill a very important need for the elderly. So many people have to part with their pets when they go into nursing homes and assisted living centers. Many of them become withdrawn and depressed. On many occasions, visits changed the lives and improved the happiness of the elderly in institutions. It gives them a point of communication, and it has been proved and well documented that physical contact with a pet is therapeutic. An inherent trait in humans is the need for attachment to others. Visiting teams provide that attachment. When a patient looks at a dog, strokes him and talks to him, the blood pressure goes down, temperature decreases and a sense of well-being increases.
The process for becoming a Domesti-PUPS Therapy Dog:
- Dogs must be a minimum of a year old.
- Dogs must have passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test (see the training link on our website if you need to take a class).
- Dog and handler must successfully complete the Domesti-PUPS pet therapy certification program (Petting-PUPS), which includes the AKC Community Canine Test.
- Dog and handler must successfully complete two visitations per month over a 3-month period.
Once a team is certified, they continue doing two visits each month (one visit per month for Edu-PUPS) to remain active in the group. Teams will visit specific facilities that we have relationships with (nursing homes, schools, hospitals, hospice, events). Teams are also expected to volunteer at events to promote the organization when possible.
If you have interest in becoming a certified Petting-PUPS team with your dog, email info@domesti-pups.org, or reserve your spot.