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Pet Therapy Programs

Animals are teachers and healers! Human-animal interactions provide a multitude of benefits to people of all ages in a variety of facility and program settings. Studies show that animals can improve the physical and mental health of individuals whose lives they touch.

This program matches caring individuals who are happy to share their well-trained, loving pet with people in the community who can benefit from and enjoy the unconditional love that an animal companion can bring them. We are always looking for more volunteer with friendly pets (dogs, cats & more!) to volunteer with our Pet Therapy Program in all three Delaware Counties and the surrounding areas. Visits are scheduled regular basis and group visits are also available. Have a friendly pet? Give us a call! (302) 427-8514, ext. 5.

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How do I get sign up to provide Just ‘Fur’ You Pet Therapy visits?

  1. Fill out a volunteer application.
  2. Complete a phone intake interview so we can get more information on your pet and your interest in the program.
  3. Provide up-to-date vaccination records (rabies & distemper) plus a vet reference on your dog's temperament.
  4. Have your pet evaluated by a Faithful Friends evaluator.
  5. Keep you volunteer membership current ($25 annually)

Please note: Pet visitors can be dogs, cats, birds and more!

How does a program or facility sign up to receive pet therapy visits?

  1. Enjoy the benefits of regularly scheduled, dependable, therapeutic visits from loving pets and dedicated volunteers. Interested program and facilities should contact Shannon O'Neill, Director of Volunteer Services, at 302-427-8514 x5 or email pettherapy@faithfulfriends.us for a membership packet. We will discuss your needs and find out how we can help! An annual membership fee of $100 is required.
  2. All volunteer members and pets registered with our Pet Therapy Program are provided with full-time staff support, and coverage under Faithful Friends’ liability insurance.

What is the PET Program?

This program provides onsite learning for animal care and general operation at our adoption center in partnership with local group homes, schools, and programs for specials needs youth and adults. Training will be provided by Faithful Friends’ staff and volunteers. Some supervision may be required for groups participating in this program.

What is the L.E.A.P. Program?

Literacy Education Assistance Pups. L.E.A.P. volunteers are a dedicated group of pet therapy teams based in Lewes, DE. The goal of L.E.A.P. is to improve the literacy skills of children, and grow their enthusiasm for reading, through the assistance of therapy dog teams as literacy mentors. L.E.A.P. is seeking new volunteers in Sussex County who want to participate in our Literacy Mentoring Program.

Who benefits from our Pet Therapy Program?

Pet therapy can benefit everyone! Our program targets people of all ages who suffer from isolation, depression, illness, special needs, disability and abuse/neglect.

Eldercare Facilities • Adult Day / Senior Centers • Alzheimer's Care Facilities • Assisted Living Facilities • Special Needs Programs • Schools • After School Programs • Alternative Schools • Psychiatric Care Facilities • Hospitals • Hospice Care Programs

How can I support the Pet Therapy Program?

There are many ways to help…

  1. Consider becoming a volunteer - If you can't volunteer with your pet, help is always needed at special events.
  2. You can also organize a promotional event to spread the word about our program.
  3. Organize a fundraiser - Have an idea for a fundraiser for the Pet Therapy Program? We're all ears!
  4. Make a donation - Your donation can be designated directly to support the Pet Therapy Program. Contact us for more information.
  5. You can also help with the mission of Faithful Friends by becoming a volunteer at our adoption center or becoming a foster parent.

How can my company become a sponsor of the Pet Therapy Program?

To find out the many benefits of becoming a Business Sponsor, contact our Development Director, Arlene Boles at 302-427-8514, or our Director of Volunteer Services, Shannon O'Neill, at 302-427-8514 ext. 5. Thank You!