Pets Together Program Provides Virtual Pet Therapy for Isolated People
Following public health guidelines can help keep all of us safe and healthy, but it sometimes can lead to social isolation and loneliness, especially among older adults. That’s why the folks at the Animal Farm Foundation created Pets Together, a program that brings pets and people together virtually.
People in need of a little “pet therapy” can book a free virtual visit with an animal over video chat services like Zoom.
Currently the program is available to older adults living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, as well as people in residential treatment programs and those in inpatient and outpatient medical centers. Health care professionals and other frontline workers can also sign up.
Pet owners can volunteer their animals to be part of the Pets Together team.
Your pet does not need to be a certified therapy pet, and many different types of animals work with the program. Besides dogs and cats, you might also see farm animals like cows and horses.
To learn more about Pets Together, click HERE. Interested in volunteering your pet? Check out their volunteer application form.