Hospice Pet Therapy

As part of providing personalized comfort to patients in the advanced stages of life, many Interim HealthCare offices offer hospice pet therapy services. This is a special service that can bring great comfort to your loved one if they choose to receive it.

What is Pet Therapy?

Pet therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal during visits per the patient’s comfort level. While many pet therapy animals are dogs, other species — like cats and miniature horses — can be utilized with proper training.

Pet therapy is also referred to as animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is sometimes confused with animal-assisted activities (AAA). AAT is a formal, structured set of sessions that helps people reach specific goals in their treatment. AAA involves more casual meetings where an animal and its handler interact with one or more people for comfort or recreation.

Comfort-based, Hospice Pet Therapy Programs

Almost everyone has felt the emotional and spiritual benefits of time spent with an animal, but did you know there are some physical benefits as well? Simply cuddling or petting an animal can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and ease depression. Because a primary goal of hospice services is comfort care, hospice pet therapy is ideal for providing comfort to patients who often feel isolated.

Bringing Comfort and Care to Hospice Patients Since 1966

Each Interim HealthCare office is locally owned and operated. This gives them the freedom and flexibility to partner with local volunteers and pet therapy services that can lift a patient’s heart and bring joy to their day. Contact your local office to inquire about hospice pet therapy programs for your loved one.

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