Healing Paws

About Healing Paws

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Enhancing Lives Animal-Assisted Activities

Launched in January 2014, Healing Paws is a program that brings comfort and companionship to various communities through Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA).

Volunteers and their dogs visit children’s homes, elderly homes, and hospices, providing much needed emotional support and motivation.

Figure: Healing Paws Volunteer Team

Healing Paws Dogficer Requirements

Enjoys being handled by strangers
Approaches strangers willingly and enthusiastically
Friendly, calm and well-behaved
Pass an assessment
Undergo training
Older than 1 year of age
Under 10 years old
Not on a raw diet
Able to commit to a minimum of attending 1 session per month

Do note that Healing Paws does not certify therapy dogs. The purpose of our assessment is to screen your dog’s suitability for volunteering at Healing Paws activities only.

Animal-Assisted Activities can be a potentially stressful experience for animals. Your dog’s welfare and happiness are our greatest priorities. To ensure a positive experience for you and your furry buddy, please fill in the form below, so that we may advise you if SOSD’s Healing Paws Programme is the right fit for you!

Understanding AAA

AAA involves casual interactions with animals to improve the emotional and physical well-being of participants. This contrasts with Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), which is more structured and goal-oriented.

AAA sessions are usually casual, and include “meet and greet” activities that involve pets and their handlers visiting people in homes and institutions. The length and content of the visit is spontaneous and depends on the quality of the interaction between the patient and animal. The sessions are also not tailored to a particular person or medical condition.

Benefits

Interacting with animals through AAA has numerous documented benefits. These include:

Emotional Support: Animals provide unconditional love and companionship, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.
Stress Reduction: Petting and spending time with animals can lower cortisol levels and blood pressure, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation.
Social Interaction: Animals can facilitate socialization, helping people to connect with others and improve their communication skills.
Physical Health: Regular interaction with animals can encourage physical activity, such as walking or playing, which is beneficial for overall health.
Mental Stimulation: Engaging with animals can provide mental stimulation, which is especially important for the elderly and those in long-term care facilities.

Volunteer with us to bring comfort, companionship, and joy to those who need it most ❤️

Healing Paws Sign Up Form

Your Name*

Your Email*

Your Address.*

Postal Code.*

Your Contact No.*

Name of Dog*

Gender of Dog

Age of Dog*

Dog Breed*

Sterilization Status*

Has your dog been vaccinated or titer tested for Canine Distemper, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis in the past 1 year?*

YesNo

Diet*

How long have you had the dog for?*

DOGGY ETIQUETTE

1. Has your dog ever bitten, or injured another person or animal in any circumstances before? If yes, please describe the incident:*

2. Does your dog have the tendency to urinate or defecate in public areas not covered by grass? (common walkways, sitting areas etc.)*

YesNo

3. Does your dog display any territorial behaviours or possessiveness over food, toys, caregivers or sleeping area etc.?) *

YesNo

4. Is your dog comfortable and calm around most dogs?*

YesNo

5. Does your dog prefer engagement with humans over dogs?*

YesNo

6. Does your dog (male/female) like to hump?*

YesNo

BASIC LIFESKILLS

1. Can your dog walk on a loose leash in an unfamiliar environment with other dogs around?*

YesNo

2. Can your dog sit when asked?*

YesNo

3. Can your dog move into a down position when asked?*

YesNo

4. Can your dog stay and come when called?*

YesNo

SENSITIVITY TOLERANCE

How does your dog behave around:

1. Men?

2. Small children?

3. Strangers?

4. Wheel chairs?

5. Walking sticks?

6. Sudden loud noises?

6. Shocking visual stimuli?

7. Angry shouting persons?

8. Other unsterilized dogs?

9. Getting pets and grooming procedures?

HANDLER’S CONFIDENCE

1. Are you confident in handling your dog in stressful situations?*

Not confidentModerately confidentVery confident

2. Do you enjoy interacting with old folks, children and persons with special needs?*

Not confidentModerately confidentVery confident

3. Will you be comfortable speaking up when you notice your dog is getting uncomfortable with an interaction?*

Not confidentModerately confidentVery confident

Please share your brief response to the following questions; you may write in point form where necessary. Your answers will help us understand what motivates your dog, and whether or not he/she may enjoy Animal-Assisted Activities.

1. Tell us about your dog (what he/she likes and dislikes)*

2. How would your dog react if a complete stranger were to pull its tail and ears?*

3. What equipment do you walk your dog with?*

4. Have you undergone any training with your dog, and which trainer did you work with?*

5. Would you prefer your dog to interact with elderly or children?*

6. Do you have any prior volunteering experience? If so, please elaborate on which organisations you have worked with.*

Most Available on*

WeekdaysWeekends

I can participate in Healing Paws*

WeeklyFortnightlyOnce a Month

Are you able to arrange for your own transport to Healing Paws Sessions?*

YesNo