ABOUT US
What Pet-A-Pet is All About!

About Pet-A-Pet Club

The Pet-A-Pet Club, Inc. is a non-profit organization. Members of the Pet-A-Pet Club commit themselves to encouraging the human-animal bond by educating the public regarding the health benefits of exposure to animals. We will do so by exposing those individuals who are least likely to have benefit of contact with pets, to animals that best express the most positive attributes of living, affectionate and entertaining creatures.

History

This program began in 1986 with the late Ruth Curry and a handful of dedicated volunteers visiting local nursing homes with their pets. Since that time, the Pet-A-Pet Club has grown to over 300 volunteers who also visit with abused and developmentally disabled children and adults, hospital and rehabilitation patients, and assisted-living residents throughout Southeast Michigan. In 1992, a humane education section was started in the Livonia public schools to teach children respect and care for animals and all living creatures.

Benefits

Pets have often played an integral part of growing up in a family setting through childhood and adult life. Yet, in their declining years, older citizens are often placed in an environment which does not allow for the companionship of animals. Research in animal-facilitated therapy has shown benefits of the human/animal bond to include:
  • Lowering blood pressure through stroking and petting
  • Relieving loneliness, boredom and depression
  • Providing Sensory stimulation, especially touch
  • Facilitating conversation during and after visits
  • Stimulating laughter
  • Increasing morale since animals are non-judgemental
  • Providing an outlet for emotional expression
  • Providing a feeling of being loved and accepted

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AKC Therapy Dog Program

The Pet-A-Pet Club is an approved therapy organization by the American Kennel Club. Pet-A-Pet Club members’ dogs are able to earn a Therapy Dog title from the AKC.

  • This title is only that - a title. It is not a certification. The AKC does not certify therapy dogs. It is only recognition that the handler/dog team has achieved the required number of therapy visits, with an approved organization,to earn the title.
  • All dogs are eligible to earn the AKC Therapy Dog title, including purebreds and mixed breeds. To earn the AKC Therapy Dog title, dogs must be registered or listed with AKC and have a number in order to earn a title.
  • Fifty visits must be documented with time, date, location, and a signature of a staff person at the facility (e.g., school, hospital, etc.). The volunteer is responsible for keeping a record of their visits.
  • For details on the program and requirements, please visit the AKC Therapy Website
  • The AKC recommends that you join a therapy group such as Pet-A-Pet Club, if you want to visit and want liability coverage.
  • The policy of the Pet-A-Pet Club is that only scheduled group visits are covered under our insurance.
  • Pet-A-Pet membership, with or without the AKC Therapy Dog title, does not cover one-on-one visits.
  • The Pet-A-Pet Club does not certify therapy dogs. National certifying organizations can be found at the link below.
  • Requests for individual visits to private residences should be directed to the AKC Organizations Website for a list of national therapy organizations who can assist with this service.