The Healing Power of Pets
Pets can play a powerful role in aiding mental health recovery. They offer companionship, emotional support, and - especially for dog walkers - are a great way to connect with your local community.
As a lifelong dog lover myself, and also in a professional capacity, this has always been a subject very close to my heart. Time and time again, I've seen firsthand how responsible pet ownership can work wonders for mental health recipients (in fact: for everyone). Pets help to foster a sense of comfort and trust. And emotional support and service dogs are specially trained to go 'above and beyond' even this to help in more 'concrete,' practical ways as well.
I used to work for Community Access as Director of Advocacy & Public Policy. In this role, about 12 years ago, I helped to create CA's Pet Access program, with the original idea of connecting formerly homeless people with homeless pets. I helped to secure some seed funding, joined forces with a (really wonderful) local vet, and garnered the support of a volunteer dog-trainer. But, no question, it was the encouragement and openness of Community Access that made the program possible. Now, all these years later, it's still a model for other service providers to follow, in New York City and beyond.
I heard that June is Pet Access Month at Community Access. It truly is something to celebrate - and I couldn't be any more excited to see Pet Access continue to go from strength to strength, with more and more tenants joining every year.
Bone up on Pet Access Month by visiting CA's Pet Access Page
Jody Silver is the Executive Director of CSPNJ. Through supportive housing, self-help centers, and advocacy, they provide individualized, community-based services that promote responsibility, recovery and wellness.
