Pet Peace of Mind^® Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Pet Peace of Mind?

Pet Peace of Mind (PPOM) is a program funded by Banfield Charitable Trust that equips non-profit hospices with the ability to provide routine care for pets of hospice patients. The hospice partners with local pet care providers and hospice volunteers to provide pet food, cat litter and daily care such as feeding, exercise and pet sitting. Other services may include trips to the veterinarian, groomers or boarding facilities. Hospices can also develop a foster care network for patients’ pets left homeless after the patient dies.

 

Why have a program specifically focused on hospice patients?

As pet lovers, we know that our pets understand when something is wrong, or can sense when we aren’t feeling well.  They comfort us, they ease our tension, they reduce our fear, and they love us no matter what.

We can only try to imagine how much more significant this unique bond is for hospice patients. Their pets offer comfort and companionship when it’s needed most—especially when words are too hard to say.

Unfortunately, many people in hospice care are physically or financially unable to care for their pets but still benefit greatly from their presence.  Simple tasks like feeding, walking, grooming, or taking a pet to the veterinarian are difficult, if not impossible.  Pet Peace of Mind® allows hospice patients to complete their end-of-life journey with the comfort and companionship of a pet, without worrying about their pet’s current or future needs.

 

Is there a hospice with a Pet Peace of Mind program in my area?

Click here for a current listing of hospices with active Pet Peace of Mind programs. New providers are being added often so be sure to check back regularly.  If you are interested in contacting a non-profit hospice about starting a PPOM program in your community, email program manager Dr. Delana Taylor-McNac at delana.taylor-mcnac@banfieldcharitabletrust.org.  

 

We are a for-profit hospice. Are we eligible for this program?

Unfortunately, we only work with non-profit hospices. Banfield Charitable Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and only provides funding to other non-profits.

 

We are a non-profit hospice. How does your program work?

Banfield Charitable Trust provides a program model, all materials to implement the program and start up funding. This includes online training for Pet Peace of Mind coordinators, marketing and fundraising materials, training modules for hospice volunteers and staff, plus ongoing support from our Pet Peace of Mind program manager. For additional information, email program manager Dr. Delana Taylor-McNac at delana.taylor-mcnac@banfieldcharitabletrust.org.

 

Once a hospice qualifies for and receives funding, how can the money be used?

Funding should be used for pet care services such as providing pet food and supplies, grooming, and veterinary care. Funding cannot be used for administrative costs or salaries.

 

How do I volunteer?

Contact the hospice in your area and let their PPOM volunteer coordinator know you are interested in volunteering with the program. They will inform you of volunteer training opportunities in your area.  You may also email program manager Dr. Delana Taylor-McNac at delana.taylor-mcnac@banfieldcharitabletrust.org with your contact information.  If you have contacts at a nonprofit hospice, we encourage you to advocate with them to consider launching their own PPOM program. Be sure to point them toward the Banfield Charitable Trust website (banfieldcharitabletrust.org) to learn more. 

 

I am a local veterinarian. How do I get involved?

Veterinarians can be involved in the program in two ways. Each Pet Peace of Mind program must have a designated Consulting Veterinarian. He or she serves in an advisory capacity to the hospice’s Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator to define routine veterinary care and the costs of that care in their location, as well as catastrophic spending limits for a pet. Veterinarians can also participate as a pet care partner in a local Pet Peace of Mind program by providing routine veterinary care services to hospice patients’ pets. Contact your local non-profit hospice to see how you can be a part of their program.

 

I am a local groomer, pet sitter, or pet boarder. How do I get involved?

Local pet care service providers are an important part of the Pet Peace of Mind program model. Contact your local nonprofit hospice to see how you can be a part of their program.