| Affiliation with other organizations: |
Through our Pet Encounter Therapy program,
we visit any facility that has a client population that can benefit from animal interactions. Currently, we travel to psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing centers, Alzheimer’s units, emergency children’s shelters, adolescent behavior centers, senior centers, and hospital sub-acute units within the San Diego region. We also provide virtual pet therapy visits to organizations. |
| Publications: |
N/A |
| Purpose of the organization: |
Animals often bring out the best in people. They can calm hyperactive children or stimulate movement and interaction in those with physical disabilities. The Pet Encounter Therapy (PET) program brings the unconditional love and tactile benefits of animals to people in a variety of settings– skilled nursing facilities, children’s shelters, hospitals, psychiatric units and many more. Groups also have the option to visit the Center for on-site programs. Staff and volunteers take dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and guinea pigs to visit more than 50 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. During our PET visits, we’ve seen movement from unresponsive patients or heard words spoken for the first time– all to the amazement of fellow residents and staff members. |
| Confirmation of the activities of the organization at the regional, national or international level: |
We conduct programs through local organizations and provide virtual visits to organizations outside our own. Often, we are sought out by research entities for our experience with animal therapy. |
Quadrennial report due? Read more on our updated page.
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