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Dog Owner

Community Animal Visits

Our Community Animal Visits program offers pet visits to Minnesota assisted living communities and other facilities that share the joy of animals.

 

Our goal is to provide both humans and animals with comfort, socialization and companionship. Volunteers bring their personal dogs or cats to participate in the visits. Each animal and its handler receives guidance from The BB staff in order to make the experience both enjoyable and safe.

Our mission is to connect people and pets- Community Animal Visits do just that for communities that are no longer able to have pets with them full time. We are proud to serve over 200 communities in the Twin Cities area with hundreds of volunteers and their pets. 

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These visits not only share the joy of animals, but they also have positive health impacts for everyone involved Numerous and varied scientific studies have proven that interaction with companion animals offer a wide range of benefits, both mental and physical. Some of these benefits include:

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Physical Health:

  • Lowers blood pressure

  • Improves cardiovascular health

  • Releases endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect

  • Diminishes overall physical pain

  • The act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response,

       reducing the amount of medication some folks need

 

Mental Health:

  • Lifts spirits and lessens depression

  • Decreases feelings of isolation and alienation

  • Encourages communication

  • Provides comfort

  • Increases socialization

  • Reduces boredom

  • Lowers anxiety

  • Reduces loneliness

We rely on volunteers and the support of generous donors to power Community Animal Visits. If you are interested in volunteering for a visit with your dog or cat, please visit our volunteer portal for more information! 

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