The Companion Animal Association of Arizona, Inc. has
operated the Social/Pet Therapy Animal Program in the
Phoenix metro area since 1986. We are proud to have
visited thousands of elderly, sick, and disabled people
in hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities.
Our pet therapy teams have elicited smiles, pleasant
memories and responses when no other activity or human
being could.
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THE PROGRAM
- Volunteers take their own pets to visit the elderly
in day and residential facilities
- Visits last for approximately 1 hour
- Most volunteers go 1-2 times per month, on a weekday
morning. Some are placed at facilities that can
accommodate an afternoon, weekend or evening visit.
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OUR VOLUNTEERS
- Must be dependable, commit to a minimum of one
visit per month for one year.
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THE ANIMALS
- Currently have over 60 dogs and 2 cats
- They are friendly to strangers, confident,
predictable in public and love to be petted.
- They have been trained by their handlers, walk
calmly on a lead, sit on command, don’t jump and
are all-around mannerly.
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THE FACITLTIES
- Request our services, sign a waiver of liability
and indemnity agreement.
- Provide a Recreational Therapist, Activities
Director or other staff person to facilitate the
interaction between the residents and animals
during visits.
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ON-GOING SUPPORT TO VOLUNTEERS
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Dog
International (TDI) testing.
- Picnics, volunteers get to meet each other and
their furry companions.
- Occasional seminars on handling skills and
visiting techniques
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