VITAS’ trains and certifies friendly, well-behaved pets to be Paw Pals^®. A registered VITAS Paw Pals visitor, with its human, knows how to visit patients near the end of life.

VITAS Paw Pals:

• Offer comfort
• Bring back memories
• Encourage activity
• Provide unconditional love  

“VITAS Paw Pals can sometimes reach a patient when no one else can,” says Annice Kennedy-Hanlon, manager of volunteer services. “Our Paw Pals brighten the day for everyone when they visit. I think even the animals know what an important function they fulfill.”

 

Einstein was rescued and fostered from the Dallas-Fort Worth Collie Rescue by Dani Maxwell, owner and volunteer. Einstein and Dani have been volunteers with VITAS since November 2008, going out to patient homes and inpatient units.

Paw Pals may not be available in your service area. Please contact your local program for more information.