Thank you for your interest in our PALS for Seniors Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) program.

Research strongly shows the benefits of older adults interacting regularly with animals. In particular, companion animals have been found to help reduce loneliness, depression, and anxiety in nursing home residents. Additionally, when animals are present in long term care facilities, staff interaction has been found to be more positive and residents have been found to be more interactive with each other, family members and staff. Unconditional love and acceptance provided by animals is a leveling factor; animals do not discriminate based on cognitive ability, functional status, or any of the factors that commonly cause older adults emotional distress. They just exude love.

• Our online class will provide specialized background and training to prepare dog owners to work as a team with their dog in making AAA visits.
  
• After completing the online course, the owners and dog will complete the ReCHAI PALS for Seniors AAA Behavior Test administered by one of our team testers.

If you are interested in having our teams make visits to your nursing home, please complete the online application. You will also be helping us conduct research regarding AAA visits.

We welcome you to a family of people who are interested in helping older adults through Animal Assisted Activity!

Questions or comments concerning this site should be directed to rechai@missouri.edu.