Pet Visiting
Spreading Joy, One Furry Visit at a Time
At the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, we believe that pets have an innate ability to bring out the best in all of us. We are thrilled to announce the relaunch of our beloved Pet Visiting Program!
What is Pet Visiting?
Our Pet Visiting Program aims to uplift spirits and brighten days for our community with the help of our dedicated volunteers and their resident pets, or Pet Ambassadors, as we like to call them. The Ambassadors will visit nursing homes, universities, colleges, hospitals, hospices, shelters, community centers and more, bringing with them a wave of positivity, affection and unconditional love.
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA Pet Visiting Program interactions are defined as Animal Assisted Activity (AAA). Animal Assisted Activities (AAAs) are planned and goal-oriented informal interactions and visits with human-animal teams, like our Pet Visiting Ambassadors, for motivational, educational and recreational purposes. Human-animal teams involved in AAA have received at least introductory training, preparation and assessment to participate in these informal visits.
How it works
Scheduling a Visit
Do you know an organization or group located in the Hamilton/Burlington area that would enjoy a visit from our Pet Visiting Ambassadors? Please complete our 'Pet Visiting Request Form' and we will contact you with the next steps.
Our Pet Ambassadors can visit your organization monthly, for a one-time visit, or for an upcoming special event. Given the program's popularity and the sheer number of requests we receive, it is essential to request your visit early. While we strive to accommodate all preferred schedules, sometimes your first choice might not be available. Your understanding and flexibility are appreciated.
Perfect Pairs
We are always looking for new Pet Visiting Volunteers and Ambassadors; could you and your pet be the perfect pair we are looking for? As a Pet Visiting volunteer, you will be a part of the HBSPCA family with many rewarding opportunities to visit a variety of facilities with a flexible schedule.
We invite you to start the onboarding process by completing our 'Pet Visiting Self-Screen Quiz' to see if your pet could be a good fit for the program. While dogs are our most common Pet Ambassadors, we welcome any friendly and social pet to apply to the Pet Visiting Program!
Our Pet Visiting Ambassador animals make a huge impact in the lives of those they visit and we at the HBSPCA thank you for considering us as you look to share your valuable time.
Supporting the Pet Visiting Program
At the HBSPCA, we are dedicated providing experiences that promote the well-being of both animals and people. While we are delighted to offer our Pet Visiting Program free of charge, we graciously welcome donations and contributions to support our efforts.
Your generosity helps fund this heart-warming program but also ensures we can continue to share the healing presence of pets with everyone, making these invaluable experiences accessible to even more groups within our community.
Benefits of the HBSPCA Pet Visiting Program
Animal assisted activities (AAA) have proven benefits of both physical and mental health in a variety of ways. Various studies have shown AAA to reduce; blood pressure, heart rate and overall anxiety. As well as improved healing times, social skills and even the overall mood of a participant. Many of our partner locations have shared very positive stories and feedback from visits, expressing the benefits of AAA being shown in their participants.
Pet Visiting Program Facility Testimonials
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) is offering our day program pet therapy to our participants. The program is benefiting our special needs adult’s participants by providing them emotional support, improving social skills, and enhancing overall well-being. Engaging with animals is leading to increased feelings of comfort and companionship, promoting a positive bond that fosters mental health and boosts self-esteem.
The Pet Visiting Program has been such a hit with our students. The animals have all been so sweet and well behaved, we've even converted a few students who were originally nervous around or hadn't had much interaction with dogs. We have students (and staff members) who regularly monitor the schedule to line up their visit with their favourite animals. Many of the students are away from home for the first time and missing their own pets, so a few minutes to decompress and get some cuddles makes a huge difference to them.
We are very grateful for the HBSPCA Pet Visiting Program and are so thankful for the joy it brings to the HBIA! The dogs and their owners bring a sense of calm and happiness to our members, offering both emotional support and comfort. We look forward to our monthly visits and the special connection they bring.
Pet Visiting Locations
