Pictured from left, Terri Stalmach, CTRS, WCA Hospital Supervising Recreation Therapist; Maggie Irwin, dog owner; and trained Pet Therapy dog at WCA, Cody.
JAMESTOWN – WCA Hospital Recreation Therapy Program is seeking dedicated owners to participate in the Pet Therapy Program at WCA Hospital.
The hospital therapy program exposes patients and staff to the positive experience of interacting with an animal.
With the help of the owner’s dog, the Pet Therapy Program provides a positive psycho-social experience and alternate therapy for patients. Research shows that spending time with a pet can reduce blood pressure and stress, normalize heart rate, improve circulation, and help patients recover from certain illnesses and medical conditions.
Interested pet owners are required to have their dogs pass a behavior test prior to interacting with patients and classes are offered to help with training.
If you or someone you know would like more details on the Pet Therapy Program at WCA Hospital and/or the training course available for pets, call (716) 664-8521 or visit www.wcahospital.org.
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