I don't bring pets to seniors, but I come to their home and care for their pets when they are sick or injured. I pet taxi them to the vet as needed, and much more! Sydney W., RVT

I anyone is thinking of doing pet visits as a business forget it. There are volunteer groups that do it everywhere.

I hope I am not too late in answering! I think I am your gal. I am researching the viability of 'visiting pet Program. I am very close to having my ducks in a row and would be delighted to speak to someone in further detail about "puppy therapy", I have some questions and would like to discuss further detail.

I just have to comment!! I used to have a dog grooming shop and also took some pets home with me. My husband and I have talked many times about starting a business along the lines of Visiting Pets. I am a caregiver for Visiting Angels. So many of my clients want me to bring my poodle with me to work. They all used to have a dog and or cats. You have a good idea. Someone will do this, I am sure. So glad someone thinks this would be a good idea!!!

Great article. There are several organizations that work with visiting animals, including therapy dogs and other pets. Here are some links to larger groups.
Many pet visit groups are small, local nonprofits. I found several by google search and facebook pages. Pet Smart has just partnered with a larger group pet partners as well, which may help groups get the resources they need. I'd imagine community relations and social work depts. at hospitals and rehabs might have contacts within te pet visit community as well for home visits. Here are some links for those who would like to volunteer, do therapy dog training or have a visit.
Pet Partners: http://www.petpartners.org
Pet Partners affiliates search: http://www.petpartners.org/affiliates
Therapy Dog Intl.: http://www.tdi-dog.org

Thank you for sharing this sweet story. Yes, it can be a blessing for the elderly to be able to cuddle pets and enjoy the entertainment of their antics. A cautionary note, however, is to be sure the elder person is supervised if they are dementia patients and/or their behavior is unpredictable. Otherwise, the animals might be at risk of being harmed.

This would be a wonderful idea because the elder really do connect with animals. I worked in a nursing home where we had two cats that lived in the home. They walked around the home at free will and would interact with the residents. The smiles on their faces an anxiousness in them to get the cats to come to them was wonderful to see. We also had a lady who bring her small dog in once or twice a week and again the excitement in them was priceless. Not all necessarily cared much about them but for the most part the majority did. So through having experiencing it first hand I would have to say yes that it is very therapeutic. It may be that they had an animal before they went to the home or as a child I don't know but I do know that it works.

Here in Canada there are many groups who do pet therapy visits to nursing homes. The really big dogs can be petted from bed and the little ones can get on the bed for some loving. My mother is in a NH and would love to see the dogs but my two aren't suitable.

Sue, my mother's little dog, is a barker/screamer and screams at anything and nothing let alone wheelchairs and walkers. My big girl, Ash, a black lab, 8, from rescue last year, had a rough life and is very nervous. When the weather was nice last summer I wheeled my mother out onto the lawn and got them both out of the truck to visit with her. It was the best I could do.

There's a woman who brings her border collie to visit occasionally, along with a local and his airdale. Unlike many, this NH doesn't have any critturs at all. Many do have a cat or resident dog and most at least have a fish tank.

My mother never liked pets much, but since we got her a kitten she's absolutely fallen in love with it. We've seen noticeable improvements in her memory and engagement. I'm so grateful that you're posting this information! I found other really helpful articles about seniors at seniorcarefranchiseinfo.org/

Hello, Marlis....a friend of mine passed along a web link to me today, to share in some interesting articles. The article on how loneliness affects our health caught my eye. After reading that, I saw the link to your blog. Your post touched me deeply. I am not actively caring for anyone with any type of illness right now, but I did help care for my mother after her strokes and until her passing in 2008. I find myself on the other side of this nowadays. In my fifties, and living my eldest son, I am in a position of "regrouping". I have two precious kitties who mean the world to me. Your idea on taking pets to the elderly in their homes has given me inspiration! How wonderful to bring some joy to a lonely person!! I just had to write and tell you how your post touched and inspired me. I wish the best for you and Charlie. Perhaps I can help to bring some joy and comfort by sharing pets' love....

I once was anti-dog, then I was going through a hard time in my life and adopted my dog. It was the best decision I ever made. Don't get me wrong it is a huge responsibillity and the first night I thought "oh my what have i done!" but now she's six years old, and she's so wonderful, and every day is a gift with her.

In addition, you might find this interesting as well, here's how pet therapy helps long term care recipients: www.infolongtermcare.org/how-does-pet-therapy-help-long-term-care-dependents/. Due to the emotional support they bring to care recipients, facilities cannot discriminate them even if they have "no pets" policy, pets should still be allowed in ltc facilities.

I think it is a great idea. I just lost my dogs age 20 and the other 15 years. My cat was only six.
I am interested in doing something like this.i am on a fixed income, is this volunteer or would a payment schedule be acceptable.

Perfect! Idea and perhaps a cross over for petting sitting for people who are looking for people who will spoil their pet over a week-end. We always thought young but scared to death a the "responsibility" we have endowed on them. I wish more seniors would think about sharing their love, I know my 2 dogs would be a warm reminder of what life has to offer!

I loved the article and I could totally see a program like this working.

When my grandma's friend lived in an Assisted Living place, we would often bring our dog with us when we would visit her and everyone would light up and he would love the attention. It was so cute how he would walk with his chest out and tail going a mile a minute. They also enjoyed that we always dressed him up in sweaters, t-shirts, and bandannas. Sadly my dog is a bit of a barker at any little noise and if you leave him alone, so we had to always watch him because he would sneak away if he could.

It was always nice to see the elders light up when we would walk in and his tail would be going and his chest would be all out like "Hey I'm here, love me up!"

I wouldn't mind being apart of a program that brings dogs or cats into a person's home for an hour or two a day just to brighten their day. I have a very friendly Chorkie (Chihuaha-Yorkie) like I said, his down fall is that he is a barker and a little bit of a sneak if the oportunity is there.

My father was one of those people
who brought his dog to the nursing home,
while my grandmother was there, they loved it.

I know my 86 year old loves my pet cat,(lives with)
and when I used to live upstairs from her, enjoyed the cats visits downstairs
the elders seem to perk up, just as you said, including her friends who visited, as well.

This is a perfect set up for all seniors and long term care (LTC) recipients out there! Especially now that there are studies the show pet therapy helps long term care dependents to have a positive outlook in life by increasing their self esteem, decreasing their loneliness, improving motor skills and motivating them to socialize. When you interact with a pet, the desire to interact with others follows :)

I enjoyed your article and certainly understand about not getting your own pets. I have always preferred cats, they just work better with my personality and lifestyle. However, we place our mother in memory care in April. We made our choice not only on the care provided but also because our mother would be able to have her dog with her. After 6 weeks, it was not working out as my mother dog barks at everything. Caregivers walking down the halls at 2am, a neighbor who wakes up to use the bathroom at 5am would set the dog off. I took the dog to my home as I am my mother's main caregiver since I live in the same city. This way mom can continue to see her dog when I visit. I also have a cat, the dog is very jealous of the cat. Yes she still barks at every little noise, but I put with it for my mother. When we visit, the other residents love seeing her too. They also have a resident dog, he is a big dog too. Dogs do require more time as they are like having a child again. Have you considered getting a bird, maybe a parrot, a canary...whatever works. Thank you for article, good idea about renting a pet for a few hours.

awwww!!!!! cute kitty!