 |
Mission and Goals
Mission Statement
The purpose of Cornell Companions is to provide the therapeutic
effects of animals with the people whom we visit. We strive to
educate our volunteers on the beneficial effects of the human-animal
bond, and to foster positive relationships between people and
animals, and also between different groups of people.
Program Goals
- Education: To enhance the education of veterinary students as developing professionals by providing hands-on experience with the human-animal bond, and exposure to cultural and socioeconomic issues within the broader community. Participation in this program allows students to deepen their understanding of human and animal health, practice their developing communication skills and develop cultural competence as they prepare to serve future patients and clients.
- Service: To provide the beneficial and therapeutic effects of animal assisted activities and animal assisted therapy with the individuals visited, and enhance their quality of life. As volunteers, veterinary students and others participating in Cornell Companions also benefit, by realizing the value of community service and the role of animals in improving human health and well being.
- Partnership: To strengthen ties between the University and local organizations, and to serve as a model of mutually beneficial partnerships between individuals, organizations, and institutions. Cornell Companions seeks to cooperate with others in the health professions to meet fundamental human needs, while increasing the visibility of veterinarians and animals in the larger community.