JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Maybe you’ve seen Teton County Pet Partners (TCPP). They use pets for their animal therapy programs. TCPP is the local chapter of the national organization, Pet Partners.
An important aspect of TCPP and the work they do is registering and matching animal therapy teams to individual and community needs. TCPP has 30+ active animal therapy teams. The organization partners with St. John’s Medical Center, Legacy Lodge, C-V Ranch, Teton County Library, Teton Literacy Center and Valley of the Tetons Libraries to provide animal therapy in the valley.
TCPP is currently looking for more teams to register and volunteer with their programs. If you think you and your dog or cat would make a good therapy team, visit www.tcpetpartners.org and click on the “Volunteer” tab. From there, click on the “Pet Partners” link to learn about what’s involved with becoming a registered Pet Partners team.
TCPP will hold two evaluation sessions next month. On Wednesday, November 1 and Saturday, November 4, TCPP will offer local team evaluations. Each evaluation takes 30 minutes.
TCPP’s most popular programs include its READ TO A DOG programs. Kids improve their reading skills and make new friends by reading aloud to therapy dogs at Teton County Library (Ruff Readers), Valley of the Tetons Libraries (Read to Rover) and Teton Literacy Center.
Animal therapy can be life-altering and enhance quality of life. Experts say the human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that positively influences the health and wellbeing of both.
