BMC Pet-therapy Program Recruiting Animal Volunteers

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Medical Center’s certified pet-therapy program, called Caring Companions, is offering a Delta Society pet therapy class and evaluation for those interested in having their pet become part of the program.

The next class will be held over a two-day period, on Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in the Berkshire Medical Center private dining rooms, located near the Café. The cost is $50 for the class, books, and evaluation. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register for the Caring Companions class, contact Terry Cormier at (413) 447-2114, ext. 3657.

The pet-therapy program at BMC offers patients at the medical center the opportunity to have visits by certified dogs and other pets, if qualified by the program. Numerous studies have shown that pets can have a therapeutic benefit, including lowering blood pressure and reducing stress.

The Delta Society is the leading international resource for the human-animal bond. Delta Society has been a force in validating the important role of animals for people’s health and well-being by promoting the results of research to the media and health and human-services organizations. The Delta Society’s mission is improving human health through service and therapy animals.