HABIT: When the Human–Animal Bond Becomes a Quiet Act of Care

How the Human Animal Bond Supports Healing

Loneliness, illness, and long days inside medical facilities are realities many Appalachian families know well. In places where community once filled the gaps, isolation can creep in quietly. Sometimes, what makes the greatest difference isn’t a treatment plan or a tightly scheduled program, but the steady presence of another living being and the simple feeling of being seen.

One such program is HABIT, a volunteer-based initiative that brings carefully evaluated animals into healthcare and care-facility settings to offer comfort, companionship, and emotional support.

What Is HABIT?

HABIT is an animal-assisted activity program connected to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Its purpose is not entertainment or performance, but therapeutic presence. Volunteers and their animals visit nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and similar facilities to provide moments of calm connection for patients, residents, and clients.

Unlike informal pet visits, HABIT operates with clear standards designed to protect everyone involved—the people receiving visits, the volunteers, and the animals themselves.

How the Program Works

Animals participating in HABIT undergo behavioral evaluations focused on temperament rather than obedience tricks. Evaluators look for animals that are comfortable with strangers, calm in unfamiliar environments, and able to handle gentle handling without stress.

Common behavioral concerns that can affect approval include:

• Jumping on people

• Excessive vocalization

• Fearfulness or stress signals

• Mouthing hands or arms

• Disinterest or discomfort with attention

These standards exist for safety and dignity, particularly in facilities serving elderly or medically fragile individuals.

Expectations for Volunteers

HABIT volunteers play an equally important role. Volunteers are expected to:

• Be comfortable engaging in conversation with elderly, ill, or disabled individuals

• Commit to visits of reasonable length (typically no more than an hour)

• Prepare and groom their animals before each visit

• Represent the program professionally in both appearance and behavior

Visits require more than the time spent inside a facility. Preparation, travel, and follow-up are all part of the commitment.

Realities of Animal-Assisted Visits

HABIT is honest about the challenges that can come with this work. Not every visit goes smoothly. Some residents may be uninterested or fearful of animals. Some facilities are busy or understaffed on a given day. Animals, like people, can have off days.

Volunteers are encouraged to watch for signs of stress in their animals and to leave immediately if an animal appears uncomfortable. The program prioritizes the wellbeing of the animals as much as the people they visit.

Why These Standards Matter

Animal-assisted programs work best when boundaries are clear and expectations are realistic. HABIT’s guidelines ensure that visits remain safe, respectful, and genuinely beneficial. The goal is not to convince someone to like animals, but to offer connection to those who welcome it.

Children, Literacy, and HABIT

In addition to healthcare and elder-focused visits, HABIT also supports child-centered programs, including literacy-based initiatives where children read aloud to calm, nonjudgmental animals. For children who feel anxious or self-conscious about reading aloud, an animal’s quiet presence can turn a stressful task into a moment of calm confidence. These programs are often referred to as R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) programs and are designed to help children build confidence, fluency, and a positive relationship with reading.

For many children, especially those who struggle with reading anxiety, the presence of an animal can remove pressure and create a safe, encouraging environment. HABIT teams participating in these programs follow the same behavioral, safety, and professionalism standards required in healthcare settings.

Community Presence and Care

Programs like HABIT remind us that care does not always come in the form of medicine or therapy sessions. In a world that often moves too quickly, care can be gentle, unhurried, and deeply human. Sometimes it arrives quietly—through a calm animal, a shared moment, or a simple conversation that breaks the day open just enough to let light in.

At Hearts of Appalachia, we seek to highlight trusted programs and resources that support dignity, wellbeing, and human connection across our region. HABIT is one example of how thoughtful structure and compassionate presence can work together to serve communities with care.

Learn More

Those interested in learning more about HABIT, including volunteer expectations, eligibility, and program details, should visit the official HABIT information page through the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. H.A.B.I.T

This article is intended to provide general information and awareness of the program and does not replace official guidance or application processes.