Before deciding on which establishment is best suited for a PAT volunteer and their dog, there are a few things to consider.
For example, some dogs who are more accustomed to quiet environments would feel happier in a relaxed nursing home than in a hectic hospital ward.
Pets that don’t often come into contact with children may be uncomfortable in a school.
PAT volunteers must also feel at ease. Pets As Therapy listens to their volunteers and supports them, helping them find appropriate establishments to visit.
Anyone interested in becoming a PAT volunteer should be aware there is no set requirement on how often you undertake visits on behalf of Pets As Therapy – if you can only give up half an hour a week, that’s still great.
Petting a PAT pet
But if you are only able to volunteer for an hour every month, perhaps one evening or at the weekend, then that’s OK, too.
If a visit is regular, then it’s sure to be greatly appreciated by staff and residents.
An ideal visit would be to an establishment that is within a short distance by car or bus, or just a walk from a home or workplace.
It then becomes easier to include the volunteering as part of a normal routine.
Read more from the Pets As Therapy series.
Georgia Wood Georgia works as part of the magazine marketing team. She loves that her job is very varied, every day is different working across all of DCT Media's magazines. She likes trying new things, from cooking to crafting, she's currently learning to knit!
