Founded 1984 by William D. and Harriett M. Snyder
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
The purpose of Pets For Life, Inc. is to enhance the care and treatment of
people in local hospitals, nursing homes, shelters for domestic violence, mental health programs, treatment centers for youth and corrections facilities through
the use of certified therapy teams of pets and volunteers.
Read Brayden's Story to learn how Pets For Life's
visits to SAFEHOME helped Brayden learn to laugh.
How We Began:
In 1984, the husband and wife team of William D. and Harriett M. Snyder had been inspired by a "60 Minutes" telecast about the benefits of animals for the elderly. They felt such a program would be a valuable and much needed service for the metropolitan Kansas City community. They donated the initial seed money and formed the organization that blossomed into Pets For Life, Inc.
Pets For Life Service:
Our volunteers take their carefully screened pets on scheduled visits to facilities throughout greater Kansas City, including hospitals, nursing homes, shelters for domestic violence, mental health programs, treatment centers for youth, corrections facilities; as well as hospice and Reading Education Assistance Dogs. Our main focus is on those whose situation is most restrictive and who are least likely to receive, but are most in need of the social, mental, and physical stimulation provided by our volunteer teams. Compassionate friendship is initiated by the animals and augmented by their human partners.
Take a look at our Pets For Life brochure. (To view the brochure, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your PC. If not, download it for free.)
The Value of Animal Assisted Therapy:
Many studies have proven the profound effect animals can have on the physical and mental well-being of elderly and handicapped individuals. Whether it be bringing voice to an elderly person who has sunk into silence or calming a frustrated child, pet-assisted therapy is recongnized as a valuable tool in caring for the physically and mentally challenged. Read about the positive effects of Animal Assisted Activity.
