MATCH-UP Services: PetPals

Apply to become a PetPals volunteer…

PetPals is our popular and successful pet visitation program which coordinates visits by dogs and cats and their owners to elderly residents of long-term care facilities. Begun in 2003 in cooperation with the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston, the program has lifted the spirits of residents in 28 long-term care facilities. The wagging tails and curious noses of the dogs and the purring of the cats bring smiles and laughter to the faces of nursing home residents, many of whom are isolated, lonely, and depressed.

MATCH-UP recruits, interviews, and carefully screens volunteers and their pets before they can participate in PetPals. A veterinary behaviorist at the ARL reviews each pet's medical history and screens the pet for temperament, behavior, and reactions to potential stressors. MATCH-UP then trains owners and pets to safely interact with the nursing home residents. Follow-up occurs after visits to ensure that residents, volunteers, and the animals each are benefiting from the program.

And nursing home residents do benefit. Numerous studies have shown that pet visitation programs increase social interaction among nursing home residents, reduce agitation in Alzheimer's patients, and ease the pervasive loneliness that often occurs in long-term care facilities.

Stories about the PetPal program bear these findings out. "He just loves me," says one bedbound resident when her canine visitor nuzzles in beside her. Although often disoriented and agitated, this elderly woman is calm and cheerful when the PetPals team arrives and anticipates their weekly visit with pleasure.

Since the program was launched in 2003, 89 pet-and-owner teams have visited the residents of 30 long-term care facilities. In the past year, over 600 seniors have been served by PetPals.

If you are affiliated with a long-term care facility serving the elderly or disabled, and are interested in PetPals, please call us at 617-482-1510.

Apply to become a PetPals volunteer…

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