Visiting Pet Program Announces Volunteer Orientation

The Visiting Pet Program, New Orleans oldest and largest animal assisted therapy program, will offer their volunteer orientation on Sunday, July 14, 2pm-4pm at the Harahan Senior Center, 100 Elodie, Harahan. This is a people only orientation, no pets please. Pre-registration is required and there is a $10.00 fee to attend. To register for the orientation, email the organization paws4visits@gmail.com.

Winners of the prestigious Dorothy Dorsett Brown Humanitarian Award, the 100 pets and handlers of the Visiting Pet Program currently visit 20 nursing homes and hospitals in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes. At facilities on both sides of the river and the lake, the Visiting Pet Program volunteers live up to their motto of “Bringing Love and Leaving Smiles” with every visit they make. The 25 year old non-profit organization features dogs, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits as their animal therapists.

The Visiting Pet Program also provides a literacy project, Reading To Rover, to area libraries. Designed to help beginning readers practice their reading aloud skills, the gentle, patient dogs prove to be excellent listeners. Reading To Rover is offered at area libraries in Jefferson parish.

For more information about the Visiting Pet Program, visit their web site at www.visitingpetprogram.org

Who: The Visiting Pet Program

What: Orientation for new volunteers

When: Sunday, July 14th,  2pm-4pm

Where: Harahan Senior Center, 100 Elodie, Harahan

Why: An opportunity for interested pet owners to learn more

about the Visiting Pet Program and requirements for membership

How: Pre-register by emailing paws4visits@gmail.com

$10.00 fee to attend. No pets permitted