Hi - just wondered if anyone had any experience of being a PAT volunteer?

I've been looking at the website and think our barmy bengal or even our norwegian forest cat would make good PAT cats- there are only about a 100 registered across the UK so far and a lot of elderly people in hospitals who have owned cats would welcome a visit from a friendly feline, as I'm sure would many children.

I know I often focus on Alfie's barmier side, but when it comes to people, he is really sociable and good-natured: there is a lovely little girl (Megan), who occasionally comes round to see him and the others and he lets her pick him up and carry him about as if they are big buddies- he sort of flops in her arms! If we have deliveries to the door he is the first to met and greet and he is not afraid of the hoover or the sound of power tools- he play-fights with the hoover!

I'd like to have him assessed, to see whether he would be suitable. Also Ashia the Wegie who is very laid-back and dog-like.

Would be interested to hear of any PAT Cats (and Dogs!) and whether visits are allowed at weekends to various establishments- I work full-time during hte week, but would love to get involved.

I applied for this but I don't vaccinate every year and I think they require that. I'm going to find out if they'd accept a three yearly vaccine though.

I don't know that much as I didn't get to the test stage but I know that with dogs they do tests like dropping a loud object somewhere behind the animal to see their response - the idea is, it shouldn't bother them too much.

Good luck! It's a shame there's not more PAT volounteers because it's really great for people in hospital, when I was younger and in hospital a lot I was visited by some guinea pigs and even a donkey! But never a cat or dog :lol:

Oh - also I think it's the establishment that you make an agreement with and as long as you go regularly, it doesn't matter when.

I also know there's a £10 fee to join as a volounteer

I applied for this too when we got one of our dogs. Sadly it seems their admin isnt too great as we never heard back from them even though they say they need volunteers. I didnt chase it as it turned out that our doggy may not have been suitable in the end (though there was nothing we put on the form to indicate this) and I was a bit too busy. I have met people who do it though, and with the right doggy and owner it can have a great impact. Good luck!

Hi
I have just become the area organiser for Sheffield for Pets as Therapy. If you P.M. me your address I will send you some info.

I visit sheltered housing in Hillsborough with my cavalier . It is a wonderful experience for the older folk my dog and me.

The assessment is not too difficult for your dog. They have to be handled by the assessor, groomed, given a treat, observed on the lead and observed for their reaction to a loud noise.
The general condition of your dog is commented on on the assessment form. You as the handler will need personal references.

I have no experience of cats but I would imagine the assessment is very similar.
I am not as yet trained as an assesor but hope to be in the future.

Please give P.A.T a chance to respond . Like many charities they operate on a shoe string budget and usually out of someones bedroom as an office!!!

Hope some forum members will jin the P.A.T team soon . there are only about 9 volunteers locally.
Go on give it a go!

Julie

Hi Julie,

Could I ask a seemingly daft question?

As humans can't catch anything from dogs, why do dogs have to have all vaccinations, and does this mean they have to have been done in the past year? My dogs aren't vaccinated every year - but I would do it every three years if PAT accepted that? (and am contemplating it anyway due to Takara going to shows and training classes).

Thanks :)

Hi just sent you a pm. Jxx

Me? I didn't get one? :(

What kind of qualities are looked for in a dog?

Lotti I am sorry don't know what happened!

Anyway I know P.A.T now accept dogs who are vaccinated by homeopathic vaccs. So I would get in touch with them if you want to proceed to discuss the 3yr vaccs.

Don't be put off! We so need more dogs and cats as visitors in this area.
Jx

Thanks J :)

I will look into it. I'd love to do it, Eddy (http://http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b10/Lottiepics/DSCF1426.jpg) would be a fantastic PAT dog!

Takara doesn't care much for children and barks at old people so probably wouldn't be too good at it :rolleyes:

All sorts of dogs to suit all different needs . However in general the dog[sorry can't comment on cats as i don't have any]need to enjoy alot of attention being stroked and fussed.Fairly laid back ,enjoy company of others and like in my dogs case doggie treats.
My little dog Ellie gets very giddy when she puts on her little P.A.T jacket as she loves the whole experience .However one of my other dogs woud hate it as he likes his own space and likes cuddles and attentiomm when he wants them not on demand.
Hope that helps. Jx

My Ruby used to be a P.A.T Dog, she was a great dane cross GSD and stood 32 inches at the shoulder. She was so laid back and adored human contact. I used to visit a local Old Folks Home and childrens day centre with her and she always sensed if one the residents was feeling low and would go over and put her head on their lap or shoulder and let them hug her. She did get rather spoilt though on custard creams they would give her and I had to keep an eye on her weight.
Sadly she is no longer with us:( but if you have the right pet and the time to give it is so rewarding and I would highly recommend it.

Oh - also I think it's the establishment that you make an agreement with and as long as you go regularly, it doesn't matter when.

I also know there's a £10 fee to join as a volounteer

Thanks Lotti, I think its £19 now, but that's not a problem- havent heard anything from my initial enquiry yet though.

I reckon Alf would look fab in a PAT jacket... He is a big softy really, despite his mad moments at home. He has acccepted a new intruder (young male cat weve just adopted) without question and loves nothing better than to get fuss n attention from admirers.

I wonder whether a certain daft GSd would enjoy this? She loves people, and is SO attentive of children.

I wonder whether a certain daft GSd would enjoy this? She loves people, and is SO attentive of children.

why not? GSDs are another of those breeds that some people have a poor opinion of and without reason - I'd love to see a big soft GSD if I was cooped up in hospital.