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Therapy Pet Pals of Texas (TPPT) pets
come in many sizes and breeds--from a cuddly feline to a
majestic Great Dane. Founded in 1984 and incorporated in
1990, TPPT is a nonprofit, 501(C)(3) volunteer
organization that shares the love of pets with
institutionalized individuals who are deprived of the
very special and unconditional love that animals can
give. Through grants and generosity of friends and
business sponsors, TPPT continues to grow and spread
happiness to many ill and elderly people.
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Why Pet Therapy Is So Important
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Numerous healthcare studies have been
conducted that indicate that regular contact with a pet
reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, encourages
exercise, promotes intimacy and contributes to a general
feeling of well-being. Pet ownership can even aid in
recovery from serious illness and promote longer
life!
Skeptics of pet therapy often become believers after they
witness the joy and enthusiasm with which the animals are
welcomed. The animals encourage smiles and laughter,
provide help in forgetting pain, relieve boredom and
offer unlimited, unconditional love and attention. Sadly,
a TPPT member and their Pet Pal may be the only visitors
some residents and patients ever receive.
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The TPPT Approach to Pet Therapy
The TPPT pet visitation program is designed to
allow residents and patients to bond with their
adoptive pet and volunteer. Once members choose their
institution, it becomes their regular "home." Having
the same volunteer and pet visit the same facility promotes the
process of bonding and familiarization. Volunteers, pets, and
residents soon come to know each other and, in many cases,
develop lasting friendships. Residents soon feel as though they
have a pet of their own again.
As long as there are institutionalized
citizens, TPPT members will always be needed. Many members
believe that they have found the perfect volunteer
organization...one that allows them to combine their love of
animals with their desire to make a real difference in
someone's life. TPPT volunteers come in a broad range of
ages and from all walks of life. However, they have one common
and uniting goal...sharing the love of their precious
pets.
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Who TPPT Serves
Since that first visit in 1984, TPPT
members have shared their pets' love with an
ever-growing number of healthcare facilities.
Studies indicate that nursing homes are one of the areas
in greatest need of volunteers.
TPPT places approximately 85% of all Pet Pal
volunteers in nursing and convalescent homes, believing
this is one of the most forgotten segments in today's
society.
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Medical and Rehabilitation
Hospitals
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Psychiatric and Handicapped
Facilities.
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MHMR and Acute Care Centers and
Special Needs Facilities
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Many healthcare facilities are
requesting Pet Pal volunteers after learning about the
success of TPPT's pet visitation programs.
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How to Volunteer
Volunteers are always needed to serve
facilities requesting a Pet Pal program. Do you have a
loving pet, and are you willing to make the volunteer
commitment? If so, TPPT needs you!
If you would like to become a member or sponsor of
Therapy Pet Pals of Texas, Inc., read our Requirements for your
pet and yourself and the How to Volunteer
page.
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