Furry friends are therapeutic and bring comfort to people.
Required Supplies
• Connections to a pet therapy organization with trained volunteers and dogs
• List of participants who would enjoy having a visit from the dog
Group Size
Min: 1
Max: 1
Hazards
Risk to those who are afraid of dogs.
Preparation Steps
Apply for pet therapy from a certified pet therapy organization.
Create a list of participants who would benefit from the social interaction of chatting with the volunteer and petting the dog. Dogs can bring comfort, calmness, stress relief and distraction from pain.
Activity Instructions
1. Always ask participants if they would like a visit from the dog before entering the room.
2. Sanitize patients hands before interacting with the dog.
3. Interact with participants and socialize.
Recommended Dog Therapy organization: St. John’s Ambulance Dog Therapy Canada