Animals can help us in a time of need
The bond between humans and animals is undeniable. The presence of an animal with no expectations or motives helps provide comfort and relaxation. The non-judgmental animal also helps individuals who fear rejection, making that person more comfortable and potentially more willing to interact with others or engage in conversation. These interactions can stimulate a withdrawn individual, lift spirits and help aid in a time of healing.
Visitation provided by handler and Pet VIP pet.
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona Comfort Dog Program is an extension of the Pet VIP Therapy & Visitation Program made up of volunteers who received additional training and certification to become part of the HSSA Comfort Dog Program.
The HSSA Comfort Dog program provides comfort, support, encouragement and compassion using canine assisted support to those who have been affected by a crisis. Our goal is to bring comfort to individuals and families suffering pain or loss by promoting the human-animal bond.
Some of the benefits our Comfort Dogs can offer:
Helps the ease of suffering and anxiety
Alleviates depression, loneliness and low morale
Improves immune system functioning
Releases beneficial hormones associated with health and feelings of well-being, such as beta endorphins and oxytocin, while simultaneously decreasing the stress hormone, cortisol
Decrease heart rate and blood pressure
HSSA Comfort Dogs provide support throughout Southern Arizona for
Any traumatic incident
Victims of crime or assault
Grief from loss of loved ones
Fires, floods, natural disasters
A setting where people are gathered for commemoration or comfort
Hospitals (following major incidents for families, distress staff members, death notifications, ICU waiting rooms)
Large-scale incidents
Helping open doors for community outreach
Helping alleviate loneliness or depression for individuals or families
Schools (student, staff or parent deaths or traumatic incidence affecting student body)
Assisting behavioral staff (individual or group crisis interventions)
Do you need our Comfort Dogs to visit you or your group?
We are available to provide support to those in need throughout Southern Arizona. We are available by appointment and/or on short notice. Calls will be answered and returned during normal business hours. If you are interest in scheduling an HSSA Comfort Dog visit or would like to learn more about our program, please contact us.
Phone: 520-321-3704 x153
Email: petvip@hssaz.org