HopeHealth volunteers keep patients connected to their pets

Providence, R.I. — HopeHealth has launched a new volunteer pet care service to support the emotional bond patients at end of life have with their pets.

The program is made possible through a partnership with Pet Peace of Mind, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping hospice and palliative care patients care for their pets. Based in Salem, Oregon, Pet Peace of Mind has affiliations with nearly 200 hospice and palliative care organizations around the country. HopeHealth is the first in Rhode Island to join the Pet Peace of Mind network.

The initiative provides volunteer pet care services for patients unable to care for their pets while on hospice. Services include assistance with pet food, financial assistance with routine veterinary care, transporting the pet to veterinary appointments, pet boarding and walking.

Nearly 20 HopeHealth volunteers have already completed training for the program. HopeHealth Volunteer Manager Nicky D’Abrosca said she expects that number to double in the next year.

“We know how important it is to support the emotional bond our patients have with their pets,” said HopeHealth Volunteer Manager Nicky D’Abrosca. “If our volunteers can give them and their families one less thing to worry about, we know we are making a difference.”

D’Abrosca is looking to partner with mobile pet groomers, veterinarians and animal rescue leagues around Rhode Island and Bristol, Plymouth and Norfolk counties in Massachusetts. Anyone who is interested in participating in Pet Peace of Mind can email her at NDAbrosca@HopeHealthCo.org. 

If you would like to learn more about becoming a HopeHealth volunteer, please visit www.HopeHealthCo.org/Volunteer  to fill out an online application.