D for Dog - Pets As Therapy PAT Scheme

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	Pets As Therapy (P.A.T.)
Pets as Therapy (P.A.T.) is a national charity, founded in 1983 to provide the pleasure of a visiting pet to many sick, elderly and special needs people. Since its beginnings, over 18,000 dogs have been registered into the P.A.T. visiting scheme. There are currently around 3,500 P.A.T. dogs active in the UK, visiting approximately 100,000 people every single week. There are many establishments keen to be matched with a suitable new recruit when one becomes available. “It is unique in that it provides therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues by volunteers with their own friendly, temperament tested and vaccinated dogs and cats.” The P.A.T. visiting scheme gives young and old the chance to enjoy the company of these calm and friendly animals. “Sick patients often feel isolated and even the most withdrawn seem to open up and let the barriers down when their regular P.A.T. visiting dog is around.”
Photo used with the permission of P.A.T. Director, Maureen Hennis
All P.A.T. visitors and their dogs work on a voluntary basis. All new dogs must pass a temperament assessment and health check. The dog must be fully vaccinated, wormed and protected against fleas, and have been in your ownership for at least 9 months and living in your care for at least 6 months. No special training is required and you will be given some helpful notes from the P.A.T. office to assist you when you start visiting. P.A.T. dogs come in all shapes and sizes. If you can spare some time on a regular basis and if you think your dog might be suitable, read more on the ‘visiting scheme’ section of the P.A.T. website www.petsastherapy.org Maureen Hennis, one of the Pets As Therapy directors, said to D for Dog: “Visiting with a registered PAT dog is just about the kindest gift a dog owner could offer. To change tears to smiles and to see the faces light up when your dog is taken into a home or onto a ward is the most wonderful experience for our volunteers. The benefits to patients of all ages are innumerable.” Launch of new membership package for supporters Not every dog makes a suitable P.A.T. dog and not every owner has the time to commit to regular visits. The organisation has announced a membership level for people who want to support the charity but can't commit to visits. Joining Pets As Therapy as a Non-visiting member will enable you to still be a part of this very special charity and help support the valuable work they do. As a non-visiting member you will enjoy third party liability insurance, be entitled to enter the Breed Stakes Classes, and will receive a P.A.T. membership card, welcome pack and catalogue. For more information on the P.A.T. Visiting and Non-visiting schemes, and to learn more about the work they do and the ways you can help, visit the Pets As Therapy website www.petsastherapy.org Note to readers - Please do not contact D for Dog regarding PAT dogs or services. We are not affiliated, we are simply giving information. Please contact PAT dogs directly with any enquiries. Thank you.

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