Wags on Wheels
Animal Assisted Therapy Program
PO Box 784
Franklin, PA 16323
814-437-1113
General Information: Waggin’ Woods Animal Sanctuary is coordinating an Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program to provide positive interaction for mentally, emotionally or physically challenged children and adults in hospitals and nursing care facilities.
Participation Requirements (See page 2 for more details):
· Animals must be well socialized and current on vaccinations (proof of vaccinations and evaluation required prior to participation). Only dogs and cats are eligible to participate. Basic obedience is desired. Unsuitable animals will not be accepted.
· Human volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application, which will result in a routine background check.
· Volunteers must wear name badges and be escorted in groups while at the facility. We ask that volunteers arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
· Participants should be willing to make a minimum 6-month commitment.
Dates: September 22, 2002 at 4:00 PM
September 29, 2002 at 4:00 PM and every other Sunday thereafter
Location: The Caring Place
103 N. 13th Street
Franklin, PA 16323
Contact Person: Tracy Weldon – Waggin’ Woods Animal Sanctuary – 814-437-1113
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE CARING PLACE FOR INQUIRIES – CONTACT TRACY WELDON AT 814-437-1113 FOR PROGRAM QUESTIONS. Our goal is to increase our facilities served as we increase our volunteers.
Wags on Wheels
Animal Assisted Therapy Program
Animal Criteria:
Dog or cat must be friendly with people and other animals. Aggressive or unruly animals will be asked to leave at the direction of the Wags on Wheels Program Director.
Your dog should know basic commands: Sit, Down, Stay, Lie Down, Heel, and Leave It. Jumping up on residents is unacceptable behavior.
Cats should be transported in carriers when moving between rooms and in hallways. Cats and dogs will not visit in the same room at the same time.
Vaccinations must be current – rabies and viral vaccinations. Proof required prior to participation.
Prior to our first AAT visit, your animal will be evaluated. Dogs should respond appropriately to other animals, being rolled over, petting, and response to unfamiliar devices (i.e., wheelchairs).
Volunteer Requirements:
Above all, you must respect the individuals you are assisting. Some residents may not like animals (or a specific animal type - dog or cat). Others may be allergic to animals. A few enjoy looking at the animals, but not handling them.
Always ask permission before entering rooms. Politely inquire, “Would you like to pet my dog or cat?” before approaching with your animal. NEVER place an animal in someone’s lap without invitation.
Recognize that you are making a commitment to Animal Assisted Therapy and be prepared for a minimum 6-month period of visitation. The residents develop bonds with the animals and are disappointed when programs are discontinued due to lack of participation. If you cannot attend a scheduled session, notify Tracy at 814-437-1113 or via email at .
Children (10 years and older) may participate in the program but an adult is expected to accompany them at all times. (parent or volunteer)
Animal waste should be removed promptly from the grounds and building (walk your dog prior to entering the facility).
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the visitation start to walk your dog, sign in, and socialize with your fellow volunteers.
If you wish to participate in the program but do not have an animal, Waggin’ Woods has a few animals that can be “borrowed”.
Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy:
· Outward Focus – animals help people focus on their environment and bring them out of their shell.
· Nurturing – nurturing animals fulfills the nurturing needs of people.
· Rapport – animals can open a channel of emotionally safe, non-threatening communication between client and therapist.
· Acceptance – animals are accepting without qualification. They don’t care about a person’s physical limitations or behavior. They are nonjudgmental, forgiving and uncomplicated relationships.
· Entertainment – need we say more?
· Socialization – Studies have shown that when animals visit a care facility, there is more laughter and interaction among residents than during any other “therapy” or entertainment time.
· Mental stimulation – increased communication with other people and recalled memories.
· Physical Contact, Touch – many studies have proven the connection between health and touch.
· Physiological Benefits – studies show that an animal’s presence decreases heart rate and blood pressure.
Wags on Wheels
Animal Assisted Therapy Program
PO Box 784
Franklin, PA 16323
814-437-1113
1. Complete the attached volunteer application for The Caring Place.
2. Fax application to the attention of Kathy King at The Caring Place at (814). This will complete your background investigation requirements.
3. Return the original copy of your application to Pet Therapy Program Coordinator, Waggin’ Woods, PO Box 784, Franklin, PA 16323.
4. Contact Tracy Weldon to confirm visitation schedule and arrange an evaluation of your animal. You can reach Tracy by phone at (814) 437-1113 or email at .
5. Waggin’ Woods will contact you to schedule your pet evaluation. I will need a minimum of 3 days to schedule the evaluation. If you want to “borrow” a therapy partner, we have a limited number of suitable animals for volunteers.
6. Once you have been approved for the program, you will receive reminder calls for scheduled visitations. You can also check our calendar online from our Yahoo group, Waggin’ Woods. (to become a member, go to http://groups.yahoo.com and search for Waggin’ Woods and join the group.
7. If you are unable to attend a scheduled visit, please contact Tracy Weldon at 814-437-1113. Do NOT contact the facility or hospital.
ã2002 Waggin’ Woods Animal Sanctuary