Ziggy the dog and other H.A.B.I.T. volunteers participate in animal-assisted therapy in a variety of settings, including the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville. Photo courtesy of H.A.B.I.T. and UTIA.

 

 

Open to Anyone Interested in Volunteering with Their Dog, Cat, or Rabbit

 
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A free informational meeting for those interested in becoming volunteers with Human Animal Bond in Tennessee (H.A.B.I.T.), an animal-assisted therapy program, will be held at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for registration.

 

H.A.B.I.T. is a non-profit group of volunteers working together to promote the bond between people and animals.  As a program of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, H.A.B.I.T. sponsors animal-assisted therapy programs for all ages in a variety of settings such as nursing and retirement homes, assisted living centers, hospitals, physical rehabilitation centers and area schools.

 

The volunteer orientation/informational meeting will take place in room A118 at the college which is located on the UT agricultural campus at 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996.  Parking is available in Lot 66 located behind the veterinary college.

 

For liability purposes, attendance at an informational meeting is required before a person can become a H.A.B.I.T. volunteer. Attendance does not imply any obligations. Please do not bring any pets to this meeting.

 

This meeting is open to anyone with a general interest in animal-assisted therapy. There is no fee or advanced registration required. However, please call the H.A.B.I.T. office (865-974-5633) if you plan to attend to ensure enough handouts are available. For further information and directions, contact Karen Armsey, H.A.B.I.T. Program Coordinator at either HABIT@utk.edu  or at (865) 974-5633.  Visit https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/outreach/Pages/habit_home.aspx to learn more about H.A.B.I.T.