"Prior to COVID-19, we couldn't keep up with the demand for our services," commented Karen Gerth, founder and executive adviser of Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS). "Many of our volunteers seem to find a population or type of visit that they enjoy and that is a good fit for their pets so they may focus in that area."
Gerth reported that KPETS currently has 443 registered human volunteers and 476 registered animals, as some of the volunteers have multiple pets that work with them. The teams provide more than 10,000 hours of visitation every year in communities throughout southcentral Pennsylvania and northern Maryland.
"More and more facilities, agencies, and organizations are becoming aware of the benefits of the human/animal interaction, and KPETS is a way to implement that benefit," Gerth remarked.
KPETS teams bring cheer to residents of retirement communities, provide a comforting distraction to cancer patients and other hospitalized individuals, encourage adults and children in all different types of therapy sessions, and support reluctant learners and struggling readers.
"Visiting schools can be anything from reading programs to working with life skills or multiple disability classes. The pet can motivate or calm in ways that amaze the staff (members)," Gerth said. "We've heard over and over again about residents in health care or hospice settings who finally smile or even communicate when the therapy pet is with them."
With the stay-at-home orders suspending in-person visits, KPETS volunteers utilized social media and other communication technologies to stay in touch with their clients. Some teams recorded themselves reading stories with their pets, while others encouraged children to read to their own animals. Virtual meetings were held with hospital and school staff members to know they are being thought of. One team created a video featuring a day in the life of a therapy dog under quarantine for a life skills class. The students were curious to see how therapy dogs were being affected by the situation, Gerth said. Teams also made a special video for the Class of 2020 at Warwick High School.
"We had a very special bond with this class two years ago when they lost three students within a few weeks," Gerth said. "We wanted to wish them well, congratulate them, and let them know how proud we are of them and how honored we were to be a part of their lives during that most sad time."
With Pennsylvania beginning to reopen, KPETS is also considering how to begin to make visits again. Gerth asserted that guidelines will be in place to ensure the safety of the clients, volunteers, and pets. Any facility or organization that would like to host a KPETS team visit for the benefit of its staff members, clients, or students may submit a request at http://www.kpets.org. For insurance purposes and the safety and protection of all involved, visits cannot be in a private setting unless a third-party professional is present.
KPETS welcomes additional volunteers, as the demand for its services is great. Interested individuals may apply on the aforementioned website. Also, individuals and organizations may partner with KPETS to ensure its continued operation.
"KPETS does rely totally on community funding to provide our services free of charge," Gerth explained. "Many of those we serve are nonprofits as well, making donations from businesses and private donors essential for KPETS' sustainability."
Gerth noted that KPETS is not authorized to help anyone obtain emotional support animals.
For more information about KPETS, readers may visit http://www.kpets.org or call 888-68-KPETS (888-685-7387).
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