Planning a Group Event with Pet Therapy of the Ozarks
Key Elements for a Successful Event
Space
An ideal visit space has an accessible, comfortable open area that will allow at least 6-7 feet between each participating therapy team. This area should be visible but not interfere with foot traffic. Outdoors during good weather is fine, BUT a back-up location indoors should be planned. Sitting areas with furniture that can be moved to the perimeter of a room or just off the lobby of a centrally-located entrance or meeting area are ideal as there could be as many as 5 to 6 animals and their handlers in the area at one time. Easy access to an outdoor space is helpful in case the pets need a bathroom break.
Time
Our pets can usually handle events that are 60-90 minutes in length, though longer ones are possible by staggering teams and times so that the animals do not become overtired.
Promotion
Remember to promote your event! Let folks know that the pet therapy teams are coming. Use web portals, campus and/or internal bulletin boards, social media, etc., to let everyone know of the event and its details.
Parking
Providing parking within easy access to the event site is essential. Parking should be not more than a five-minute walk to the event location. PTO requests that the event sponsor cover all costs of parking and provide parking passes to the nearby lots or garages if paid parking is the only option.
Staff
A designated staff member or employee must be on site throughout the event. In addition, we strongly suggest keeping the number of people around a team to five-eight. This ensures safety for the team and enjoyment for those petting the animal.
Steps for Planning a Group Event
Be sure to have your proposed event approved by your own administration or management staff before requesting the event through Pet Therapy of the Ozarks.
At least four weeks before your desired event date, complete and submit a Pet Therapy of the Ozarks Group Event Request form.
After submission, the PTO Director of Special Events will be in touch with you to confirm details of your event.
Following confirmation of your event details, Pet Therapy of the Ozarks will post and circulate news of the event to our membership and request sign-ups. The earlier your Event Request is submitted, the more time that it will be “advertised” to our therapy teams.
Once an event is posted, the PTO Director of Special Events will serve as the liaison between our volunteers and the designated staff member or employee during planning and on the day of the event. Our participation will ultimately be determined by whether or not our teams sign up to participate.
As the event date draws closer, be sure to increase the event promotion. Community web portals, intranets, student activities news and events sites and blogs as well as social media sites are all excellent avenues to create awareness. Pet Therapy of the Ozarks respectfully requests that our name and logo be present on promotional materials when possible.
Cancellations/last minute changes happen. If weather or other unforeseen factors require that you cancel your event or change the location of your event, please communicate those changes as quickly as possible by mobile phone to the PTO Director of Special Events. They will get back to you to confirm the details and to determine next steps.
Water Bowls: Therapy pets get thirsty while doing their jobs. While not essential, having two or three large water bowls nearby for the dogs or having accessibility to water will be greatly appreciated.