Pet Therapy Program
Making a Difference Every Day
Therapy animals have been known to provide comfort and support in a number of settings. Hospitals, long-term-care facilities, and hospice centers have seen the benefits of having animals around patients. Trained volunteers and their dogs in the Palm Beach Health Network pet therapy program bring joy to patients, their families, and staff.
Patients are able to interact with the dogs and receive their unconditional love, making their hospital stay less stressful and more like home. Pet visits also help to reduce anxiety and provide much-needed distraction from illness and hospitalization.
Physical and Mental Benefits of Pet Therapy
Not only do pet therapy dogs provide affection and unconditional love, but studies show that animal therapy helps support physical and mental health.
Research show that visits from therapy dogs improved cardiovascular health in heart patients, precipitating lowered blood pressure and lowered stress hormone levels.
For mental health, the presence of an animal prompts the body to release serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin. These hormones generate a relaxation and stress-reducing response
More Than Just Wagging Tail
Our Therapy Dogs are specially trained and evaluated. Some pets and their handlers are evaluated and tested by a Certified Evaluator from Therapy Dogs International. The organization is focused on regulating, testing, and selecting qualified dogs and handlers for the purpose of hospital and other facilities visitations
For more information on Palm Beach Health Network’s pet therapy program or to find out how to volunteer for the program, visit our Volunteer page.