Pet Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy is recognized as a supportive modality for treatment that is being increasingly incorporated with therapy for cancer patients. According to numerous studies and articles, visiting with therapy animals can:

• Reduce stress-induced symptoms
• Alleviate feeling of loneliness and depression
• Provide distraction from pain and treatment
• Foster an individual’s nurturing instinct
• Create a safe and accepting environment
• Offer entertainment

Therapy animals provide a constant sense of support, understanding, and focus for positive attention.

All teams (handler and dog) are certified by Therapy Dogs Internationaland have passed the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizens Test. All dogs have up to date health records and can be identified by a colored bandana around their while pet owners shall be identified by wearing a ZC Volunteer apron/vest. Pet therapy visits are shown on our monthly calendar.