Shelter Spotlight: Pet Peace of Mind

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
A non-profit that helps palliative patients who have pets, Pet Peace of Mind fills a much-needed gap that’s been created by an aging generation.


We all enjoy a limited number of years on this earth and, for many people, pets are one of the things that truly makes life enjoyable. When you come to the end of your years, your pet may play a crucial supportive role, but what happens to your pet when your time comes? Pet Peace of Mind (PPOM) is a non-profit organization that helps hospices and palliative care organizations meet the unique needs of patients who have pets.


The Story Behind Pet Peace of Mind


While some people are lucky to have close friends and family to support them in their final years, many come to depend on their pets as their primary companion. According to the organization’s website, their goal is to enrich the well-being and quality of life for hospice and palliative care patients by creating and maintaining a national support network to help care for their beloved pets.


Related: Talking About Palliative Care For Older Dogs


Dianne McGill, the president of Pet Peace of Mind, says that “pets are great medicine for coping with the anxiety that comes from dealing with a serious medical condition” and, for many patients, finding a home for their pet once they have passed is extremely important.


What the PPOM program does is two-fold. They help to educate non-profit hospices and palliative care organizations about the importance of pets to their patients. As well, PPOM also teaches how to support the needs of those pets in practical ways including finding a home for the pet once they have moved on.


The Pet Peace of Mind program helps hospices and palliative care organizations train their volunteers to provide for patients with pet care needs. In addition to training volunteers, this organization also helps the program secure funding and provides ongoing support.


Related: Tips To Follow When Rehoming A Dog


How Can You Support the Pet Peace of Mind Organization?


The Pet Peace of Mind organization is volunteer-driven, so one of their most-needed resources is people who can dedicate some of their time to providing services to vulnerable pet owners at hospices and palliative care organizations. In addition to volunteering with local and regional programs, you can also volunteer at the national program office, providing services in the areas of research, fundraising, or administrative services.


You can even volunteer without ever leaving your home! Simply visit the Pet Peace of Mind website to learn more about how you can contribute. You can also support this wonderful organization with monetary donations or by becoming an advocate for patients and their pets by spreading the word about the Pet Peace of Mind organization.


Think about how much your pet means to you and then think about what would happen to your pet if you were no longer able to care for him. Does this thought break your heart? If so, you can understand the important work being done by the Pet Peace of Mind organization and you may even be inspired to give this organization your support.

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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