A volunteer holding a therapy dog interacts with elderly individuals. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

A dedicated group of volunteers and their therapy dogs made a heartwarming impact on Pet Day in Shanghai's Fengxian district, showcasing the power of animal-assisted therapy in providing emotional and psychological support to the community.

These therapy dogs, distinct from working or service dogs, offer aid in various settings, including special education schools, dementia care centers, hospitals, hospice care facilities, and nursing homes, playing a crucial role in rehabilitation and reducing mental stress.

While animal-assisted therapy has a long history in the West, it remains relatively unknown in China, sparking discussions on the social value of pets. In 2012, pet behavior expert Wu Qi initiated China's first PFH (Paws for Healing) therapy dog project, which focuses on training and certifying therapy dogs. These dogs have since become companions for autistic children, elderly individuals with dementia, and terminally ill patients.

A volunteer holding a therapy dog interacts with a child with attention deficit disorder. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Since 2022, autistic children at Huimin School in Fengxian district have benefited from therapy dog sessions. These children have improved their language skills and emotional well-being.

Wu's journey began with a breakthrough involving an autistic child, leading him to establish PFH, the first organization in China dedicated to animal-assisted therapy. Initially, challenges arose due to low pet ownership and skepticism in China. To build trust, rigorous standards were set for therapy dogs, surpassing some Western criteria. PFH provides training for volunteers and dogs, ensuring only certified dogs participate in public activities.

Therapy dog training. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Volunteer Chen Ying, who has trained her pet Yogo to become a therapy dog, highlights the joy therapy dogs bring to others.

"Seeing Yoyo bring happiness to terminally ill patients reassures me, despite the difficulties," she said.

Volunteer An Ran's dog, Pipi, also passed the challenging certification process to become a therapy dog. The certification process includes five assessments: obedience, stress response, socialization, distraction resistance, and a comprehensive test for both the dog and its owner. This rigorous standard was officially introduced at the Pet Fair Asia last year.

Currently, there are nearly 300 PFH-certified therapy dogs in China, with about one-third of the total being rescued stray dogs.

"Harnessing the social value of family pets and extending love is the core motivation for many volunteers to train their pets as therapy dogs," Wu said.

Despite nearly 12 years of development and over 3,000 volunteers nationwide, the number of certified therapy dogs in China remains limited compared to Western countries.

"Basic training for dogs is often neglected here. Many owners lack awareness, and promoting the concept takes time," Wu said, "But the growing recognition and support give us confidence."

Source: Shanghai Observer