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Pet Therapy - What Is It and How Can My Pet Become Certified for Pet Therapy?

The role our pets play in our lives is not easily measured, though sometimes a pet's presence may mean the difference between life and death to its human.  We've all heard of service animals, but how about therapy pets?

These animals (and their humans) earn a certification which allows the animal and its owner or handler into hospitals, rehab centers; any place which houses people needing structure, unconditional love, company or responsibility skills.

Therapy pets  are used as the tool to motivate the people housed in facilities or visiting such facilities for physical therapy or counseling.  For instance, in a physical rehab center, a dog may be brought in for the patient to brush.  Sounds easy, but if the patient needs to learn simple skills after an accident or illness, these animals are invaluable.  The patient may need to learn to reach and grasp the brush, then move his arm to the animal and pull the brush down the fur.  What could be frustrating or even painful motions have become calming and pleasant because of the pets presence.

Therapy pets may be the tool used to encourage someone who has lost speech skills to say their first word. 

There is something about animals that brings out nurturing, caregiving traits in humans.  Pets are safe.  They won't tell our secrets and don't judge our skills or lack of them.

To become certified, your pet (mostly dogs are used) must complete obedience class and an evaluation approved by an organization which certifies pets near you.

If you are interested in training your animal to be a pet therapist, Google 'pet therapy certification' or check out http://www.activitytherapy.com/national.htm

Pets do make a difference in our lives.  Maybe you and your pet can make a difference in the life of another.

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