Volunteers and their companion animals visit the residents and patients of a variety of facilities, offering touching, petting, playing with, and experiencing the unconditional affection of a pet.

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Studies show animals, especially dogs, can have significant influence on mental and physical health in humans, particularly during times of stress, crisis, illness, and loss. Being in the presence of an animal or petting an animal has a calming effect. Animal Samaritans has provided animal companion therapy in the Coachella Valley for more than 25 years.

Studies Show:

· Patients with hypertension have a decrease in blood pressure and so does the dog.

· There is a 37% drop in anxiety levels prior to a medical procedure when time is spent with a dog just before the procedure.

· Decreases in minor health problems are seen in those people who bring pets into their lives, and those who have pets, recover quicker from minor health problems.

· Sexually abused children respond well to pet therapy. They will talk to a dog when they won’t talk to an adult/therapist.

· Sexually abused adults recover quicker emotionally when pet therapy is added.

· Children with low reading skills improve significantly when they can read aloud to a dog. It is a non-threatening, supportive environment. No criticism from the dog builds confidence.

· Animal Companion Therapy (ACT): Qualified ACT dogs visit Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Hospitals, and many other types of facilities, helping patients feel at ease in a stressful setting.

· Reading Programs: Qualified ACT dogs visit schools and local libraries with a mission to improve children’s reading skills.

· Humane Education Presentations: Working with our Humane Educators to bring therapy dogs into classrooms during presentations.