(Posted March 2022)

Volunteer Solutions (VS) is embarking on a new and exciting initiative, the Companion Pets program. Thanks to grant funding from the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging has purchased battery-operated dogs and cats from the company, Joy for All.

Clients from Adult and Aging Services, and participants at adult day healthcare and senior centers, are eligible to receive a robotic pet. The goal is to address loneliness and social isolation. VS staff presented the program guidelines to case managers and staff who have already started making client referrals.

The robotic, furry companions mimic real-life cats and dogs and have been credited by other organizations with curbing feelings of isolation in their own communities. Pet recipients can feel and hear a cat purr on their lap, for example, without any of the additional responsibilities of feeding them and being a live pet owner.

Volunteer Solutions is recruiting internally for active, vetted VS volunteers who are willing to be Companion Pet Assistants and play an important role in the new program. Volunteer liaisons pick up the pets from the VS regional offices, call the clients who requested them, take their preferred pet (dog or cat) to them, and administer a brief survey that measures feelings of loneliness and life satisfaction. The survey is given at the initial visit, and again by phone, at 3, 6 and 9-week intervals.

VS has already been hearing positive results from the recipients who have received the pets. We anticipate this affirming trend will continue as more recipients and centers acquire them.