Apply to Become One of Our Volunteers AKA Coaches!
Hi everyone! We're Aging in Place with Pets®!
Our unique “human-centered animal welfare charity” led by an occupational therapist (OT) is dedicated to helping older adults and adults with disabilities in our greater Burlington community to help them regain, and maintain, their independence in taking care of their pets. Our kind and compassionate volunteers AKA "Coaches" volunteer two (2) or more hours per week on Tuesdays or Thursdays provide Participants in our signature "Tuesday and Thursday Program" with social and emotional support as well as physical assistance to help them keep their pets!
Our Coaches are matched with (rather than "assigned to") 2 to 4 Participants, who they see on an ongoing basis to help them with maintaining their independence in taking care of their pets.
Our unique “human-centered animal welfare charity” led by an occupational therapist (OT) is dedicated to helping older adults and adults with disabilities in our greater Burlington community to help them regain, and maintain, their independence in taking care of their pets. Our kind and compassionate volunteers AKA "Coaches" volunteer two (2) or more hours per week on Tuesdays or Thursdays provide Participants in our signature "Tuesday and Thursday Program" with social and emotional support as well as physical assistance to help them keep their pets!
Our Coaches are matched with (rather than "assigned to") 2 to 4 Participants, who they see on an ongoing basis to help them with maintaining their independence in taking care of their pets.
Working with this Program has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Shortly after starting my time here, I met someone who did not think she could keep her recently adopted dog despite the bond she had formed with him so quickly. Over the past few months, I have worked with this Participant, her dog, and other Coaches to ensure she could stay with him. While there were many highs and lows of her journey, I am so proud to keep supporting her in this critical aspect of her life. The trust between me and older adults that has been fostered through my care for their pets has formed special connections that have led to numerous lasting friendships. I will continue to cherish and stay in touch with them no matter where my life takes me.
DanicaCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Bambam and Pebbles, Chocho (as shown above), Daisy, Dexter, Marley
What our Coaches want you to know
This experience has shown me how impactful pets can be to their caregiver’s life in giving them companionship, emotional support, and love. The relationship between the pair is mutually beneficial as it enhances the quality of life of not only older adults (and other vulnerable populations), but also their pets in fostering their nurturing tendencies.
VianneCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Daisy, Trixie, Marley, Max and Nalla
It’s very impactful spending time with older adults to help them with certain aspects of supportive care for their pets that can be difficult to perform due to either their or their pets’ chronic health conditions. I’m able to utilize my passion for cats, dogs, and other animals to form meaningful connections with older adults since they share my love of all animals.
MorganCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Cassie and eKeetzen, Rosie, Patches and Queenie
Through my engagement in this unique service, I've developed many meaningful relationships - ones that I wouldn’t trade for the world - with both older adults and their pets. I support their wellbeing, and in turn, they support mine. I’m proud to be an advocate for older adults as well as other vulnerable populations in this incredibly important aspect of their life.
RenCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Harry and Pearl, Gino, Jancy, Maisie
I believe that this is an important endeavor because the ability to care for pets is valuable for both human and animal wellness. It promotes sociability and the human-animal bond, which is powerful in reducing stress and improving quality of life for older adults and their pets.
KylieghCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Buttercup, Casper, Lucky, Precious and Trouble
This experience has given me the opportunity to understand the role of facilitating, and strengthening, the bond between older adults and their pets. I have learned effective interpersonal skills while gaining a broader understanding of the importance of assisting older adults in independent living facilities. By strengthening the social and emotional well-being of older adults, we support both them and their pets.
RileyFormer Coach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, Garfield, Gino, Fizzy and Purrl, Maisie, Prince and Princess
It is apparent that older adults’ pets makes them genuinely happy and it’s special to help ensure that they can stay together. I am grateful for this opportunity to apply all of my knowledge and skills of cats and dogs to working with their parents to improve both of their well-beings. I’ve formed close bonds with many Participants and their pets, and I even made friends with other Coaches. I now know how truly important human-animal bonds are to vulnerable populations because their pets help them to overcome barriers in their lives.
BeccaCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Daisy, Harry and Pearl, Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, Max and Nalla, Trixie
This experience has enabled me to work with populations that I never would have come into contact with, and has led to valuable experiences. Knowing that you’re preventing somebody from relinquishing their pet(s), when they are so reliant on them for social, emotional, and mental health reasons, it feels like you are making a big, meaningful difference in their lives.
DevonCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Garfield, Grace Gino, Harry and Pearl, Prince and Princess
What I love about this experience specifically is that every aspect emphasizes the care of both pets and people. I appreciate the holistic and genuine approach we take and it’s amazing to be part of a cause that helps make someone's life happier.
MilesCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Garfield, Grace, Marley
Working with older adults who have dementia and their pets has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I've witnessed firsthand how the bond between a person and their pet can bring comfort, familiarity, and moments of joy even in the midst of memory loss and confusion. I have found that working with these Participants in this Program has furthered my lifelong passion for working with animals, as well as, of course, people.
KendraCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Chocho, Dexter, Lily
Getting to help older adults to keep and take care of their pets is very impactful. Being able to provide a larger support system for them is so important in letting them keep such a major part of their life together. You can really tell how beneficial this Program is for both older adults and their pets, and getting to be a part of it is extremely rewarding.
BrookeCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Amelia and Chloe, Chocho, Max
This Program takes a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just the care of pets. It addresses the barriers to daily living that arise while navigating the aging process, an essential, yet often overlooked stage of life. By fostering opportunities for older adults to form connections, it establishes a supportive network that enhances the well-being of both the individuals and their pets. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the immeasurable joy and comfort pets bring into people’s lives and it’s incredibly fulfilling to work alongside such a dedicated team that diligently ensures these meaningful relationships can continue to thrive.
EllaCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Chocho, Dexter, Ori
This Program has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of a support system that helps older adults keep their pets, and themselves happy and healthy, while also building meaningful relationships along the way. I've seen firsthand how deeply important pets are to our Participants and the joy they bring to their lives. This Program not only addresses the barriers that older adults people with disabilities face, but also fosters a sense of community and connection.
Olivia G.Coach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Amelia and Chloe, Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, Daisy, Ori, Timmy, Tofu
Volunteering for Aging in Place with Pets was a wonderful experience. I feel fortunate to have worked with an organization that provides opportunities to engage with animals - which is always amazing - while also supporting fellow members of the community. Commiting to weekly visits allowed me to build meaningful relationships with [its] Participants over time, and knowing their pets had additional care and support was incredibly rewarding. I'm grateful to have been part of such a thoughtful and impactful organization.
CarolynCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Wilson and Wiley, Ollie and Twerpy, and Beverly and Eunice
Volunteering for Aging in Place with Pets has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Through this organization, I have made meaningful connections within the community and have seen firsthand the importance of the bond humans and their pets share. It has been so special to see this bond strengthen over time and watch Participants gain confidence and independence in caring for their pets, while having a reliable support systme along the way. I am so grateful to be part of an organization that aims to help both humans and animals live safely, happily, and with dignity.
Olivia P.Coach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Leo, Pepper, and Abby
Volunteering for Aging in Place with Pets over the past year has been rewarding in more ways than one. The weekly commitment has allowed me to build relationships with my Participants and their cats, and it's been something I look forward to each week. My pets are an important part of my family, and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to keep that bond, even when they need a little extra help caring for them. It means a lot to be part of an organization that helps people maintain that bond while giving me an opportunity to step outside my own life and make a difference in someone else's.
GretchenCoach for Tuesday and Thursday ProgramTeams Wilson and Wiley, Ollie and Twerpy, Shadow, and Lila
Apply to Volunteer for Aging in Place with Pets®!
Coach Sam with Mr. Pinkerton of the one and only Team Mr. Pinkerton
If you have any questions before submitting your application, please reach out to us.