WHEREAS, April 30 has been designated as National Therapy Animal Day by Pet Partners, the national leader in demonstrating and promoting the health and wellness benefits of animal-assisted therapy, activities, and education; and

WHEREAS, across the United States there are thousands of Pet Partners therapy animal teams serving our communities; and

WHEREAS, Pet Partners therapy animal teams make millions of visits per year in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and hospice care; and

WHEREAS, Pet Partners therapy animal teams interact with a variety of people in our communities including veterans, seniors, patients, students facing literacy challenges, and those approaching end-of-life; and

WHEREAS, Pet Partners therapy animal teams play an essential role in improving human health and well-being through the human-animal bond; and

WHEREAS, these exceptional therapy animals who partner with their human companions bring comfort and healing to those in need; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City is grateful for the presence, contributions, and positive impact of our local Pet Partners therapy animal teams; and

WHEREAS, our City is honored to help raise awareness about the importance of therapy animals and expresses its thanks to the thousands of dedicated handlers who volunteer their time, compassion, and talents to this effort.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim April 30, 2023, as:

Therapy Animal Day in Salt Lake City

To view the electronically signed copy of the proclamation, click here.