Learning Centers for People and Pets

Bideawee was one of the first humane organizations to establish a pet therapy program. Launched in 1986, Bideawee U's program has grown to include dedicated two-legged pet therapy volunteers and their 90 dogs, 4 cats, and 3 rabbits.

What is Pet Therapy?
Children and adults in health care and special education facilities visited by our pet therapy pairs enjoy a positive impact on their quality of life. For some, pet therapy visits are their only contact with the outside world. The pairs often become part of the family and eagerly look forward to making their next visit. In turn, the patients and residents delight in the cuddles, love and friendship these visits bring. The opportunity to receive the unconditional love and acceptance of the animals provides medical and emotional benefits such as lower blood pressure, stress relief, decreased feelings of loneliness and depression, and increased responsiveness.

An anecdote from one of our many partner organizations:
On a recent visit to a nursing home, a son sat quietly with his elderly father. A Bideawee Pet Therapy volunteer brought over Goldie, a beautiful golden retriever. The dog licked the old man's face and wagged his tail wildly. The man turned to his son and said, Dave, I've always loved golden retrievers. The son's eyes filled with tears. It seems his father was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and hadn't recognized his son nor called him by name in years. 

What are some basic pre-requisites to become a pet therapy volunteer team?
If you think you and your companion animal will enjoy a rewarding experience of bringing happiness to others less fortunate then keep reading.

The Typical Therapy Animal:
Since the animal is the main attraction in pet therapy it is vital that your companion animal enjoys the service as much as you do. It doesn't matter if your pet is a dog, cat, rabbit or other small animal, he should be well socialized and used to crowds. This type of service is not for the independent or shy type but more for animals that thrive on lots of attention and contact.

The Typical Therapy Volunteer:
The human part of the team must be engaging, social and non-judgmental. The person must also be sympathetic, empathetic and caring. Depending on the population, you may see members of the elderly, handicapped, developmentally challenged and children who are very ill.

The person plays a dual role of engaging people and staying in tune with their pet throughout the entire pet therapy visit. This team member must be able to pick up signals of stress and fear in order to ensure safety and control at all times

Animal Assisted Therapy Registration:
Bideawee is now accepting volunteer teams registered with the Delta Society. Bideawee also offers Therapy Prep Classes for people interested in volunteering their services to this program.

Becoming a Bideawee Pet Therapy Team:
Once you and your animal are registered as an Animal Assisted Therapy Pair, contact one of Bideawee U's Learning Centers. Bideawee will ask you to complete some paperwork to get the application process started. Part of the application process includes an interview and a background check.

After the application process is complete, our Learning Centers will match you and your pet with an appropriate organization. Start the process today and make a difference in someone's life.

Benefits of volunteering for Bideawee's Pet Therapy Reading to Dogs Programs:
Bideawee is one of the nation's oldest humane societies that provides a variety of services to the community. Volunteers are proud to represent Bideawee!
-Bideawee matches volunteers with an approved partnering organization so they don’t have to do the leg work.
-Bideawee provides support during all volunteer’s first visits to ensure that they are comfortable and well taken care of at the facility they are visiting. After that, we are there for support to answer any questions.
-Bideawee helps with scheduling visits.
-Bideawee shares the latest information about Animal Assisted Therapy with volunteers.
-All Pet Therapy & Reading to Dogs volunteers receive a 20% discount to our Westhampton and Manhattan Veterinary Practice for their pet therapy partner after 6 months of service.

Bideawee is working on plans to establish support groups where therapy pairs can network and provide advice for each other.

Bideawee is proud to offer the Therapy Prep Classes. Classes are being offered in Manhattan, Wantagh and Westhampton. Bideawee has partnered with two Team Evaluators to offer the Delta Society Classes that train both the pet parent and their pet on how to be a successful Pet Therapy or Reading to Dogs Volunteer Team and to pass the evaluation necessary to become a Pet Partner.

At all locations, screenings and Pet Therapy Prep Classes begin on -
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Tuesday, Oct 1, 2013

What you should know before contacting Bideawee:
First, your dog must know basic obedience, be well mannered, and socialized with other dogs and people. Once you think he is ready, you can make an appointment with the Bideawee Learning Center closest to you that offers Therapy Prep Classes to schedule a pre-screening.

Here are some behaviors you may think are adorable but may not be appropriate for pet therapy and reading to Dogs:
-Kissing
-Licking
-Jumping up on people
-Play-growling
-Tug of war
-Giving paw without command

If you need help controlling controlling your dog when he performs such tricks or want with obedience training, please contact Bideawee U's Training Departments at 1.866.262.8133

The Therapy Prep Class series is designed for people and their dogs. Owners of cats and other small animals should prepare for their evaluations by studying Delta's home study manual (available through Bideawee U or the Delta web site) and make an appointment for an evaluation through the Learning Center.

1. First, complete a Pet Therapy or Reading to Dogs Volunteer Application with a Bideawee Learning Center near you.
2. A Team Evaluator screens you and your dog to ensure that you are ready for Therapy Prep Classes. The cost of the screening is $10.00 and is applied towards the prep class series if you enroll at Bideawee.
3. If you qualify, attend the next Therapy Prep Class series which consists of six 1 hour classes. After the class, there will be an evaluation with a pass/fail system. There is a fee for this class. 
4. Begin reading your Manual which is included in Bideawee’s class fee.
5. Once you pass your evaluation, you will have to submit your registration packet to the within 90 days.
6. Once you are completely registered, our Learning Center Managers will match you with an organization that has been approved by Bideawee.

If your current registration is expiring you can get your evaluation done at Bideawee U for just $25.00 to renew your membership. Make sure to make an appointment with a Bideawee U location near you today so you can be on your way to provide a needed and rewarding experience!

For more detailed information about Therapy Prep Classes please visit the Delta Society website. To discover more about about Bideawee U's Pet Therapy and Reading to Dogs programs please contact a Bideawee U location nearest you by calling 1.866.262.8133 we look forward to hearing from you.

Animals make ideal reading companions. Bideawee's Reading to Dogs program provides a fun, non-judgmental environment where children can improve their literacy skills. Teachers report that children participating in Reading to Dogs demonstrate improved reading skills, decreased school absenteeism, increased frequency in the completion of homework assignments, and improved self-confidence.

Bideawee's Reading to Dogs Program currently partners with 9 schools and 17 libraries on Long Island, touching nearly 500 children. Our Manhattan site has a link with the organization, Homes for the Homeless, to provide this unique opportunity to children from homeless families in the Bronx and Manhattan.

To become a Reading to Dogs volunteer you must enjoy children and children's books and have the patience to coach a student through these one-on-one sessions. The program requires a regular commitment of time for the program to be successful.

The Reading to Dogs animal is exceptionally social, gentle, smart and obedient. He must settle in nicely in a new setting, must love attention from strangers, and must like children. He is tolerant of any type of touch or action from adults and children. Well mannered cats, pocket pets or certain types of birds are also welcome.

Bideawee is looking for volunteer pet pairs for all locations. If you and your pet would like to audition for and be trained to participate in our Reading to Dogs Program, please check out our Therapy Prep Classes. All Reading to Dogs volunteer teams must register with The Delta Society.

If you are interested in learning more about Pet Therapy, Reading To Dogs or Bideawee U's Pet Therapy Prep Classes please call 1.866.262.8133 and speaking to one of Bideawee U's staff.

Bideawee U humane education programs teach children and adults how to be informed and responsible pet parents to their companion animals. Further, they encourage people of all ages to be advocates for kind, fair treatment of animals who cannot speak on their own behalf.

We offer educational tours at all three Bideawee locations and can send Bideawee experts to schools, libraries, and club meetings. The material that the experts from Bideawee U presentation is tailored for the age, interests and size of the audience.  Bideawee U experts are routinely called upon to provide presentations on humane education to groups ranging in size from one class to a large assembly.

Puppies or kittens from our the Adoption Centers at Bideawee and volunteers with pet therapy dogs, cats, or rabbits are a popular part of the programs! We cover topics such as owner responsibility, safety, training, animal health, and licensing. Programs for older groups may include the discussion of ethical issues (unwanted pets, euthanasia, abuse) and careers in animal care.

A visit from the experts at Bideawee U increases student awareness of the contributions companion animals make to our everyday lives and makes them think about the serious issues concerning animal caretaking in our society. Teachers can use the material to motivate students to read books about dogs and cats; this can lead to report-writing, essays, debates, and many other projects. Our presentations inspire children to have a deeper understanding of, and respect for, companion animals in their families and communities.

To learn more about these opportunities, schedule a visit to Bideawee U or to have a Bideawee U expert come to your location please call 1.866.262.8133 and speak with a Bideawee U representative today.

Testimonials from Pet Therapy volunteers:

Florence S.
Bideawee's extensive pet therapy program was one I wanted to be involved in. Bideawee serves as the contact for agencies requesting pet therapy and coordinates visits. It is important that there be a central "clearinghouse" for such requests so that the pet therapy team not have to be involved in scheduling. Also, Bideawee has strict regulations for pet therapy visits which takes the onus off the team. When I finally had a dog that would make a suitable therapy dog, I chose Bideawee to certify my dog and suggest places to visit. One of my dogs has done such a good job for Bideawee that she was awarded the American Kennel Club's Award for Canine Excellence, Therapy Dog 2007.

Charlie K.
The visit at Belair last Sunday went very well. Many residents were happy to see Sara and visit with Luly & Oreo. Several held them on their laps and one woman kissed Sara and told her how happy she had made her.

Arlene K.
The reason that I chose Bideawee to volunteer my pet was their great reputation in the animal rescue and adoption field. I had adopted a dog from the Bideawee a long time ago and he had very good care from the veterinarian in Wantagh. The people at Bideawee were careful in getting the information to know if the animal would be cared for in a responsible manner. I was impressed with the evaluation and it has been a very rewarding experience for me and Saffy! Thank you for all the wonderful work that you do, which allows us to serve people in need of companionship, like the elderly and those who suffer from mental and physical illnesses.

Sandy
At the school I visit, this kid, Jonathan, just 15, has improved his reading skills so much I'm stunned! Initially he was totally guessing at words and after about 4 sessions with Elvis and Lola, he was able to read many sentences correctly from a Clifford the Big Red Dog book! He even read with some expression! He's reportedly showing big improvements in his regular school reading program! He started to tell me about a Xmas concert that he is in and he suddenly looked at me and said, "Do you wanna come?" So I'll be attending the concert and dinner held at the school next Wed

Testimonials from educators:

Melanie, 1st grade teacher
The program is proving to be absolutely wonderful and beneficial to everyone involved.

Pat, Assistant. Principal

The feedback I get from teachers is that the Reading To Dogs helps with the student's self-esteem.

Aimee Bench
Aimee administers a private dog training practice as well as serving as the founder and lead trainer of Long Island based Mid Island Therapy Dogs (MI-T Dogs). MI-T Dogs trains individuals and their good-natured dogs to prepare them for Delta Society evaluations and certifies Delta Pet Partners upon completion.

Before founding MI-T Dogs, Aimee worked as a Coordinator and Trainer for the Good Dog Foundation and as the Coordinator of the Pet-Assisted Therapy Program at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. In these roles, Aimee recruited, assessed, and trained volunteers and their dogs for visits with patients.

Additionally, she identified appropriate patients and matched them to a specially trained pet team. Through the use of positive, motivational techniques, Aimee maintained a playful and fun environment for the dogs, their partners and the patients. Aimee has received various rewards and accolades and has been featured in the media including a televised segment at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2004.

Jane Kopelman
Jane Kopelman is a dog trainer and the shelter manager at Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption. Jane was on the behavior staff at the ASPCA in New York City and has been managing Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption for the last six years. She has served on the board of CACC in New York City.

Jane has a private dog training business in New York City. She is a certified Delta Society evaluator and is currently doing pet therapy with her dog, Wally.

Jane lectures nationally on sheltering and community outreach.