SCAR Pet Therapy Program
At Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR), we are dedicated to enriching lives through the profound connection between humans and animals. Our Pet Therapy Program is designed to bring joy, comfort, and companionship to those in need within our community by utilising the unique abilities of trained, friendly dogs.
About the Program
The Pet Therapy Program at SCAR involves visits from our specially trained therapy dogs to various locations, including nursing homes, schools, and other community centres.
These visits aim to alleviate loneliness, provide emotional support, and foster a sense of well-being among individuals who may be facing challenging circumstances.
Our pet therapy program also helps to support facility staff during our visits and offers comfort to visiting loved ones of patients and residents who may also need a moment of connection.
Benefits of Pet Therapy
Research has shown that interactions with animals can have numerous physical, emotional, and psychological benefits.
Our Pet Therapy Program is designed to:
- Reduce Loneliness – Regular visits from our therapy dogs offer companionship and help mitigate feelings of isolation, particularly among the elderly in nursing homes.
- Enhance Emotional Well-Being – The unconditional love and affection from our therapy dogs can provide a significant emotional boost, offering comfort and joy to those who need it most.
- Improve Mental Health: – Engaging with therapy dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting overall mental health and well-being.
- Support Social Interaction – Visits from our therapy dogs encourage social interaction, fostering a sense of community and connectedness among participants.
About the Program
Our therapy dogs undergo extensive training to ensure they are well-behaved, friendly, and responsive to the needs of the individuals they visit. The program operates as follows:
- Scheduled Visits – We coordinate regular visits to nursing homes, schools, and other community locations. Each visit is carefully planned to ensure a positive experience for both the therapy dogs and the individuals they interact with.
- Personalised Interactions – Our volunteers work closely with the staff at each location to tailor the visits to the specific needs and preferences of the participants, ensuring meaningful and enjoyable interactions.
- Continuous Support – The Pet Therapy Program is an ongoing initiative, providing continuous support and companionship to those who benefit from our therapy dog visits.
Contact Us
For more information about the SCAR Pet Therapy Program or to get involved, please get in touch below.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in our community through the healing power of pet therapy!
Support Our Work
Get Involved
SCAR’s Pet Therapy Program relies on the dedication and compassion of our volunteers and the generosity of our supporters. Here are some ways you can get involved:
Join our team of volunteers and help us bring the joy of pet therapy to more individuals in need.
Your contributions help us sustain and expand the Pet Therapy Program, allowing us to reach more people and make a greater impact.
If you represent a nursing home, school, or community centre interested in hosting our therapy dogs, we would love to collaborate with you.