Outreach Therapy Pets is a joint initiative between St John and SPCA Auckland. The programme involves volunteers and their pets visiting rest homes, hospitals and other health services.
Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to promote emotional wellbeing in hospitals and rest homes. It’s also used as an added therapy for children suffering from a variety of illnesses. Contact with gentle animals provides comfort and helps people to be happier.
St John Out Reach Therapy Pets
St John and SPCA Auckland together
Outreach Therapy Pets is a joint initiative between St John and SPCA Auckland. At the moment, it operates in Auckland, Kerikeri, Waihi and Thames. The programme involves more than 300 people and animal volunteers visiting rest homes, hospitals and other establishments to bring comfort to residents and patients.
Two kinds of therapy, many kinds of pets
Two kinds of therapy are offered through the programme: animal assisted activity and animal assisted therapy. A variety of animals are involved - cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hens, donkeys and miniature horses. SPCA Auckland helps by providing animal expertise and training.
The benefits of contact with pets
- Animals don’t judge or criticise
- They treat everybody equally
- They aren’t shocked by human ailments, frailties, handicaps and confusion
- They can reduce the stress and fears associated with illness or old age
- They offer unconditional love and friendship
St John Outreach Therapy Pets
Enquire about using the Outreach Therapy Pets service
To find out about visits from Outreach Therapy Pets, call toll free on 0800 000 606 or email enquiries@stjohn.org.nz.
Become an Outreach Therapy Pets volunteer
If you and your animal volunteer are interested in working for Outreach Therapy Pets, call toll free on 0800 000 606 or complete an online request.