Pet-Assisted Therapy

Our motto above: Love, Gain knowledge of (and therefore ...), Adopt

What does Pet Therapy (or Pet-Assisted Therapy) mean?
It is what is says: an alternative way of therapy through animals for the purpose of improving the quality of living for people.

Reasons behind the project
It is true that people who belong in the so-called socially vulnerable groups (children or adults with disabilities, elders, former drug addicts, people with chronic or incurable illnesses, mentally ill etc.) and especially people who permanently reside in social welfare institutions, shelters or homes, are part of a daily routine, with no “change of scenery” or ways and circumstances to lift their spirits. This is where Pet-Assisted Therapy comes to aid, offering socialization and joy to an extent that no human – specialized or not – could achieve. Why? Because animals, especially dogs which are social beings by nature, have the inherent gift of being able to approach and offer love and affection unconditionally, without “judging” as we humans would. A dog enjoys and responds to petting and attention regardless of who offers them, and it is this aspect which makes their “healing” effects invaluable.
It is worth noting that in countries such as Great Britain, France, Germany and the US, there are government-assisted pet therapy projects – even including visits to hospitals – which have been in place for decades, as it has been proven that animal contact with socially vulnerable, marginalized or ill fellow human beings is beneficial to their physical and mental health.

The project
We visit special schools, institutions, associations, shelters and homes strictly on a volunteer and FREE OF CHARGE* basis, and of course the oral part of our presentation is adjusted to the specific needs of students or inmates on a case-by-case basis.

Reactions of students / inmates
We have found over time that there is a lot to offer during our visits: to us, the unique experience of seeing the “social unlocking” of people while they pet, brush or take a dog for a walk is a great motivation to continue and re-double our efforts. Check out our Photo Gallery for photos.

If you represent a social entity and are interested in a FREE OF CHARGE* visit by the team of SAPT Hellas at your premises, please fill in the contact form.

Also, please note that the Ministry of Education has granted SAPT Hellas with the following – consecutively issued – permits to conduct school visits (reverse chonological order):

School Year 2022-2023, Protocol No, Φ.2.1-ΕΧ-55198-102572-Δ7 for the whole of Greece – in Greek

School Year 2021-2022, Protocol No. Φ.2.1/ΜΓ/66425/111385/Δ7 for the whole of Greece – in Greek

School Year 2020-2021, Protocol No. Φ.2.1/ΕΧ/175588/Δ7 for the whole of Greece – in Greek

School Year 2019-2020, Protocol No. Φ.2.1/ΕΠ/125642/Δ7 for the whole of Greece – in Greek

School Year 2018-2019, Protocol No. Φ2.1/ 160842/Δ7 for the whole of Greece – in Greek

School Year 2017-2018, Protocol No. Φ13.1/167167/Δ2 for the whole of Greece – in Greek

School Year 2016-2017, Protocol No. Φ13.1/142083/Δ2 for the whole of Greece – in Greek

School Year 2015-2016, Protocol No. 84056/Δ2/27/05/2015 and another one Protocol No. Φ15/1949/156553/Δ1 for the prefecture of Aegio, in October 2015

School Year 2014-2015, Protocol No. 11324/Γ7-16-07-2014 – in Greek and another one Φ14/352/30900/Δ1-25/02/2015  for the island of Chios, in May 2015

School Year 2013-2014, Protocol No. 131536/G7-18-09-2013 – in Greek, also approving our Informative Campaign to the schools of Heraklion, Crete).- in Greek and another one Protocol No. 168274/Γ7-07-11-2013 for the Prefecture of Pella, in December 2013

School Year 2012-2013, Protocol No 60722 – 30-05-2012 – in Greek, also approving our Informative Campaign to the schools of the island of Ithaki, scheduled for September 2012).- in Greek

School Year 2011-2012, Protocol No 59412/Γ7 – 02-06-2011 – in Greek and another one, Protocol No. 117827 for our informative campaign on the island of Ikaria.

School Year 2010-2011, Protocol No 111258/G7 – 21/09/2010 – in Greek

School Year 2009-2010, Protocol No 115107/G7 29/09/2009 – in Greek

School Year 2008-2009: Protocol No 131907/G7 14-10-08 – in Greek

School Year 2007 Protocol No 85212/G7 30-7-2007 – in Greek

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Talking with representatives of education or social entities we realized that, although it is mentioned everywhere that our visits to schools or institutions are voluntary, it is not clear that they are completely free of charge. We therefore wish to underline that there is no price whatsoever involved for those who invite us, either in the form of a fee or – in the case of visits within Attica – in the form of any other costs, which are undertaken in their entirety by the volunteers of SAPT Hellas or solely by SAPT Hellas with the help of individuals or businesses (money or in-kind contributions) Foundation. Commuting expenses, F&B and B&B expenses may be incurred by bodies inviting SAPT Hellas outside the Attica.