POV: You’re walking your dog down your street and you notice, as you often do, how people react to him. That subtle smile that a stranger tries to stifle but your dog is just so darn cute, they can’t help it! It makes you smile too, doesn’t it?
That joy that your dog brings to other people; strangers who don’t even know him, where his scratch spot is, or his favourite treat? That’s the impact of the human-animal bond. Research has shown that human-animal interaction is proven to help lower blood pressure, reduce overall stress and ease feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression.
(Don’t worry, cat-lovers, the same is true of our feline friends too!)
Now, imagine that feeling, that moment where YOUR pet brings someone else a moment of JOY: but bigger. That’s the best way we can explain how it feels to be a Pet Visiting Ambassador at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA.
The HBSPCA has been of service to our community through Pet Visiting since the 90’s. However, this program was put on pause for a few years due to the pandemic and we are so grateful to not only be bringing it back, but to be building upon it through research in the human-animal bond.
Did you know:
- According to the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, many studies have reported reductions in blood pressure following tactile interaction with a dog, and Japanese researchers have found the presence of a dog resulted in increased parasympathetic neural activity, which is generally associated with stress reduction.
- From the same journal, the benefits of pet visiting and physical interaction with pets are notable for those with psychiatric disorders. Several experimental studies reported reductions of fear and anxiety, as well as improved social behaviours amongst individuals hospitalized for psychiatric reasons.
- Amongst youth with developmental and emotional disorders, contact with pet visiting animals increased focus, improved emotional stability, improved attitudes toward school and learning as well as increased empathy, vocal expression, and even eye contact.
- Several studies have been conducted on the impact of pet visiting on individuals in long-term care, particularly those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s Disease. Most reported decreased loneliness, and many reported several benefits to those with cognitive impairments, including reduced heart rate, reduced agitation, improved social behaviours and reduced need for physical restraints. Studies have also demonstrated that pet visiting alleviates caregiver burden.
Our Pet Visiting Program aims to uplift spirits and brighten days for our community with the help of our dedicated volunteers and their resident pets, or ‘Pet Ambassadors’, as we like to call them. With the help of our ambassadors, we are able to share the joy and benefits of animal companionship with those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience direct animal interaction. Those visited will be able to enjoy physical contact with a pet companion, enjoy conversation with our ambassador volunteers, complete activities of daily living in the company of our ambassadors, and feel the love and affection that our pet companions give so naturally.
The Ambassadors will visit long-term care facilities, universities, colleges, hospitals, hospices, shelters, community centers and more, bringing with them a wave of positivity, affection and unconditional love.
The healing power of our furry friends is indescribable.
And you know what? It seems to be mutually beneficial. Our Pet Visiting volunteer, Debi has shared what her experience has been like so far. Debi and her dog, Tess Gracie, have been visiting students at McMaster University; bringing smiles to sometimes-stressed students as they enter the library:
“The bond with my dog Tess Gracie has only grown since we became a part of the HBSPCA Pet Visiting Program. It is a unique time we share, visiting people and listening to their stories. Visiting different environments has helped my dog to be more confident and social. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces demonstrates to us that we are directly impacting their lives. Pet Visiting has been a win-win experience for us both!”
Think Your Pet Might Make a Good Pet Visiting Ambassador?
Are you and your pet patient, outgoing, and kind? Are you looking for a way to get involved in the community? Right now, our Pet Visiting Ambassador team includes 18 active volunteers with 15 pets. Including 14 dogs and 1 cat.
We’re looking to expand our reach in the community but we need your help! We’re looking to onboard volunteers and their social and friendly dog, cat, or small animal. There are a number of long-term care homes hoping to host a program once we have more volunteers so we would love visiting pets who would be good with seniors. Visiting sessions are an hour long and all the training will be provided prior to your first visit.
How to Become a Pet Visiting Ambassador
We want this to be a wonderful experience for you, your pet, and the community. We have a six-step application process to ensure you are both a good fit for our Pet Visiting Program.
Step 1: Take this self-screening quiz. If you and your pet are identified as good candidates for the program, you will proceed to our volunteer webpage to learn more about the Pet Visiting role.
Step 2: Review the qualifications and requirements. If you and your pet meet them, we invite you to fill out a volunteer application.
Step 3: After completing the HBSPCA volunteer enrollment process, you will be contacted to schedule a pet behaviour assessment session.
Step 4: You and your pet pass, complete and obtain the required documentation and paperwork (don’t worry, we can help with this step!)
Step 5: Book your first orientation shift at one of our facilities. To be attended without your pet.
Step 6: Once orientation is completed, you are free to book sessions on your own time that fit your schedule!
Interested in changing lives with your beloved pet? View the Volunteer Description here (link). If it sounds like a fit, start our application process above. If you have any questions, reach out to our team at humaneeducation@hbspca.com.
Our pets have the ability to bring out the best in all of us.
Let’s do that together, one visit at a time.
By Melissa Bennett
