At The Village (Richmond), A ProMedica Senior Living Community, we believe that companionship and human–animal connections can enrich daily life for older adults in meaningful ways. Our pet therapy program is designed to offer gentle, supervised interactions that nurture emotional well-being, stimulate memories, and invite moments of laughter and calm. Here is a comprehensive look at how pet therapy brings joy to our senior community in Richmond, Virginia.
What is pet therapy?
Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, involves trained therapy animals and handlers working with healthcare or social service professionals to achieve specific therapeutic goals. In senior living settings like The Village, the focus is on non-clinical, supportive benefits-improved mood, increased social engagement, reduced anxiety, and a sense of companionship. Our program emphasizes safety, consent, and the comfort of every resident. While not a substitute for medical treatment, pet therapy complements wellness plans by providing a comforting, familiar contact point that can brighten a difficult day and spark meaningful conversations.
How does pet therapy benefit seniors?
For many residents, a visit from a therapy animal can become a highlight of the week. The benefits span physical, emotional, social, and cognitive domains:
- Emotional well-being: The presence of a calm, affectionate animal can soothe nerves, reduce anxiety, and elevate mood.
- Social connection: Shared moments with a beloved animal often lead to conversation, storytelling, and interaction with peers and caregivers.
- Cognitive engagement: Residents may reminisce about pets they have owned, recall fond memories, or engage in gentle activities that exercise memory and attention.
- Motivation for movement: Gentle interactions can encourage residents to sit up, reach, smile, and even participate in light activities or stretching.
- Stress relief and comfort: Petting, talking to, and watching animals can provide a comforting routine during transitions or stressful health moments.
At The Village, we tailor each visit to the individual. Some residents request quiet, one-on-one moments with a therapy animal, while others enjoy group sessions that invite gentle social stimulation. Our team partners with trained volunteers and licensed therapy animal teams who understand the needs and rhythms of senior living communities.
What does a pet therapy session look like at The Village?
- Pre-visit planning: Our team reviews each resident’s preferences, health considerations, and any allergy or safety precautions. Informed consent is confirmed and documented.
- Arrival and orientation: A trained therapy animal and handler arrive, accompanied by a staff member who helps set up the space and ensures comfort for residents.
- Guided engagement: Residents are invited to participate in a selection of activities, such as gentle petting, brushing, or simple interactive tasks that align with safety guidelines. The goal is to create a soothing, enjoyable moment rather than a formal therapy workout.
- Monitoring and safety: Staff monitor vital signs, comfort levels, and potential hazards. Hand hygiene and infection control protocols are observed, and residents can opt out at any time.
- Reflection and notes: After each visit, caregivers note responses, engagement levels, and any memorable moments to inform future sessions.
- Family involvement: When appropriate, family members may participate or observe, adding an extra layer of joy and connection to the session.
This structure keeps sessions patient-centered, safe, and enjoyable for residents, pets, and staff alike.
Joyful moments from The Village residents
- A quiet afternoon brought a gentle beagle to the common room, and Edna, 92, who had been feeling a little withdrawn, softly patted the dog’s back and smiled for the first time in days.
- James, who often sits with a cane by the window, shared a story about his childhood dog as the therapy terrier rested its head in his lap, and the room filled with warm laughter.
- During a routine visit, a therapy cat settled on Mrs. Carter’s rail while she described a favorite cat from her youth, sparking a spontaneous sing-along among neighboring residents.
- A small placid alpaca visit prompted a resident with limited mobility to transfer to a chair with assistance, giving him a moment of independence and pride.
- A therapy dog and its handler led a brief, gentle breathing exercise with several residents, helping them to slow their pace, relax shoulders, and feel more present.
- A week of rain quickly turned into a social hour, as a resident who rarely attends communal activities joined in for a short chat and a petting session, leaving with a lighter mood and a shared anecdote to tell her family.
These moments, though brief, become memories residents carry into their days-proof that simple connections can have lasting impact.
Safety and welfare: How we protect both residents and animals
The Village takes pet therapy seriously, with a structured framework designed to protect everyone involved. Key elements include:
- Credentialed teams: Therapy animals are paired with professional handlers who have training in animal behavior, elder care sensitivities, and safety protocols.
- Health and temperament screening: Animals undergo regular health checks and temperament assessments to ensure they are suitable for interactions with older adults, some of whom may have allergies or sensitivities.
- Infection control: Hand hygiene before and after visits, cleaned surfaces, and appropriate space planning help minimize risk of illness transmission.
- Resident consent and choice: Participation is voluntary, and residents can opt out without explanation or consequence.
- Environmental considerations: Visits are scheduled in spaces that are accessible, well-lit, and free of potential tripping hazards, with sufficient room for residents using mobility aids.
- Ongoing observation: Staff monitor for signs of overstimulation, fatigue, or discomfort in both residents and animals, adjusting the session as needed.
These safety measures ensure that the experience remains positive and sustainable for the long term.
Benefits of pet therapy at a glance
| Benefit | What it means for residents | How The Village supports it |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional well-being | Lower stress and improved mood during and after visits | Regularly scheduled sessions with options for quiet or social interactions |
| Social engagement | More opportunities to chat, reminisce, and connect with peers and staff | Group and one-on-one formats that suit preferences |
| Cognitive stimulation | Reminiscence and memory recall triggered by stories and pet-related activities | Guided conversations and gentle activities that align with cognitive goals |
| Physical engagement | Increased willingness to participate in light movement and posture improvement | Short, supervised activities that accommodate mobility levels |
| Sense of purpose | Feeling needed and valued through pet care-related tasks (e.g., brushing, feeding observations) | Structured interactions that empower resident choice and involvement |
This table summarizes how pet therapy translates into practical, meaningful experiences for residents at The Village. The exact activities are tailored to each person, ensuring safety, dignity, and enjoyment.
Is pet therapy right for you?
- If you or a loved one values gentle companionship, pet therapy can be a welcome addition to a wellness routine.
- If residents have fears or concerns about animals, we take time to introduce slower, lower-pressure experiences and offer opt-out options without judgment.
- If there are allergies or respiratory sensitivities, we collaborate with families and healthcare teams to determine safe participation levels or alternative activities.
- If families are curious about how the program fits into overall care plans, our team will explain goals, methods, and how progress is tracked.
Pet therapy complements existing therapies and activities without replacing medical care. It is one more resource designed to help seniors stay connected, alive to daily moments, and hopeful about tomorrow.
Getting involved at The Village
We welcome input from residents, families, and staff about the pet therapy program. If you’d like to learn more, consider these steps:
- Talk with the care team about pet therapy visits and how they align with current wellness goals.
- Attend a scheduled session to observe the format and determine comfort levels.
- Share experiences and feedback to help tailor future visits to individual preferences.
- Explore opportunities for volunteer engagement with therapy animal teams, if appropriate and approved.
The Village prides itself on community involvement and a thoughtful approach to enrichment activities. Pet therapy is one example of how we aim to create warm, supportive environments where seniors feel seen, heard, and cherished.
In sum, pet therapy brings joy to seniors by offering a blend of comfort, connection, and gentle engagement that respects personal pace and choice. When individuals, families, caregivers, and therapy teams work together, those small moments of connection become a lasting part of daily life at The Village in Richmond. If you’re curious about bringing a pet therapy moment into your loved one’s routine, our team is ready to listen, plan, and help create experiences that feel natural, safe, and deeply meaningful.