H.A.B.I.T.

Established in 1986 by the Department of Comparative Medicine of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, practicing veterinarians and community volunteers, Human-Animal Bond in Tennessee (H.A.B.I.T.), sponsors programs that foster pet visitation to nursing homes, assisted-living residences, retirement centers, mental health centers, residences for children with special needs, rehabilitation facilities, hospital settings, and other facilities. In the first decade of its existence, the program grew to encompass more than 70 programs of visitation involving some 250 volunteers (pets and their humans). Animals are screened by the College of Veterinary Medicine for friendliness and the ability to tolerate noise and unexpected happenings. Most