Samaritan Hospice’s pet therapy program involves trained volunteers who visit patients and families with specially-certified dogs.
Pet therapy in a hospice setting provides comfort, support, and companionship through the use of an animal. Samaritan offers pet therapy through already-certified dogs. Seeing and touching a furry friend brings peace and joy to patients and is a welcome distraction from serious illness and end of life.
Hospice therapy dogs have stable temperaments and friendly, easy-going personalities. Encounters with these special dogs encourage conversation and emotional connection between patients and their families.
Visiting with these gentle animals helps
The act of petting a dog can
Patients in facilities who may have had to give up cherished pets find joy in reliving memories. In addition, patients and families often report more responsiveness to care and an improved feeling of connection to life through the use of this comforting therapy.
Read more about the benefits of hospice pet therapy >>
Though not required or covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurers, the services of Samaritan Hospice’s pet therapy dogs are made possible through volunteers and donations to Samaritan.
Samaritan is always seeking volunteers with an already-certified dog to visit our patients and families. Click here to volunteer now.
Please check with your hospice team to find out if you or your loved one is eligible for pet therapy. Pet therapy is offered in select locations.