PAWS FOR PEOPLE

The Paws for People program delivers the unconditional love, comfort and proven therapeutic benefits of companion animals to residents of health care facilities. Currently, over 200 trained volunteers and their certified pets regularly visit fifty facilities in Morris, Essex, Union and Somerset counties.

To be a member of Paws for People, pet owners must first attend a 3 hour workshop. Instructions on interacting with different types of health care residents, detecting signs of stress in your pet and guidelines for a successful visit will be given.

Next, all animals must pass a handling and temperament evaluation. Dogs need to be at least one year of age, readily perform basic obedience skills and have the necessary temperament. During this simulation, hospital equipment will be used, loud noises will be made and interaction with another dog will occur. Your pet will also encounter other potential distractions such as food and people. All animals must be up to date on their rabies and distemper vaccinations (cats must have proof that they are feline leukemia negative) and have a current town license.   Cats, rabbits and all other domestic animals must be able to wear a leash and harness and be transported in a carrier.  Dogs are prohibited from wearing prong or choke collars during the evaluation and visits.

The Paws for People program is both personally enriching and a means to bond with your pet. Our next PFP Workshop and Evaluation will be held on January 21 and January 24. To learn more, and to download an application, please click here.

The content and links on this page are intended for the use of certified Paws For People therapy teams or other volunteers.  If you would like more information of pet therapy certification and/or want to be placed on our mailing list for our next workshop and test, contact volunteercoordinator@sthuberts.org.  If you would like information about how to become a general volunteer click here or contact the volunteer office at volunteercoordinator@sthuberts.org or call 973-514-5920.

Paws for People certified volunteers click here