Paws for Hope

Paws for Hope Volunteers participate in a unique volunteer experience. Pets and their owners are specially trained to visit patients, families, and staff and can be found any day of the week at Hope Hospice Houses, Hope Health Center, nursing and assisted living facilities, as well as private homes on request.

Doctors and therapists are discovering the difference Pet Therapy has on patients and their care. Medical research has shown that interaction with animals provides many therapeutic benefits such as:

  Reduced stress and anxiety in patients and families

  Reduced physical and emotional pain

  Increased immunity

  Improved memory

  Better overall sense of well-being

 Volunteers interested in Pet Therapy at Hope are required to complete a volunteer training program. Upon graduation, volunteers and their pets are evaluated together to become Paws for Hope volunteers. The pet evaluation involves screening for proper temperament, observed pet therapy visits, and pet health certification.

For more information, contact Hope Volunteer Services at 239-433-8069 or 800-835-1673