Mary Margaret Callahan: Animal Assisted Therapy and the Power of the Human-Animal Bond
Jamie talks to Mary Margaret Callahan of Pet Partners about the difference between service and therapy animals, the future of animal assisted intervention, and the training and standards needed for the safe and effective use of therapy animal teams in the community.
BIO:
Mary Margaret Callahan is the Senior National Director of Program Development at Pet Partners, where she oversees the largest and most prestigious therapy animal program registering nine different species. The daughter of a veterinarian, Mary Margaret grew up surrounded by pets and has a deep appreciation for the strength of the human-animal bond. Responsible for supporting safe and effective animal-assisted interventions for 11,000 Pet Partners teams across the country, Mary Margaret is responsible for elevating the caliber of training materials including launching the continuing education program ensuring highly trained and professional volunteers. Mary Margaret resides in Seattle with her loving husband where they are devoted parents to their young daughter and two companion dogs, Mimi the Chihuahua and Spin the Border collie. When not working, Mary Margaret spends time fantasizing about owning a miniature horse and planning chicken coops for poultry she does not yet own.