Pets with Heart is a faith-based program of pet visitation and services founded in 2012 by Sisters Pat Montini and Sharon Costello. The program builds relationships, offers comfort and brings joy through goal-oriented activities that touch the spirit of each person.
Our compassionate team of Sisters, Associates, volunteers and therapy dogs nurture relationships between God’s creatures. We are attentive to the healing effect of animal-human relationships and seek to bring healing and joy to people of all ages.
We visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, universities, community centers, libraries and private homes.

Meet the Team

Sister Pat & Luca
Therapy Experience: 8 years
Breed: Golden Retriever
Age: 9 years old
Fun Fact: Luca completed 93 therapy visits with about 1,000 people in 2018.

Sister Sharon & Buster
Therapy Experience: 5 years
Breed: Maltese
Age: 7 years old
Fun Fact: Buster was the youngest and smallest dog in his therapy training class.

Sister Sandy & Rabbie
Therapy Experience: 3 years
Breed: Cairns Terrier
Age: 8 years old
Fun Fact: Rabbie is a “foster brother” to rescues from Col. Potter Cairn Rescue.

Jen & Jordi
Therapy Experience: 2 years
Breed: Cocker Spaniel (parti)
Age: 3 years old
Fun Fact: Jordi has earned all four AKC trick titles from novice to performer.
Schedule a pet therapy visit
If you would like to schedule a pet therapy visit for yourself or for a loved one, contact Administrator Arlene Sustar at 724-869-6545 or petswithheart@stjoseph-baden.org.
Honor or celebrate a beloved pet
Pet tribute and memorial cards are a thoughtful way to recognize significant events in the lives of people and their pets while supporting Pets with Heart. Request free greeting cards.
Experience a Pets with Heart Classroom Visit
Sunshine in a sad situation
-Kathy, who has volunteered with Luca at Good Samaritan Hospice for nearly 5 years
-Kathy, who has volunteered with Luca at Good Samaritan Hospice for nearly 5 years
Bringing joy to our ‘dear neighbors’
-Sister Sharon
-Sister Sharon
Relaxing with Luca
-Marcia, whose husband experienced pet therapy visits during the moderate stage of Alzheimer's
-Marcia, whose husband experienced pet therapy visits during the moderate stage of Alzheimer's
A way to calm and heal
-Mary Frances
-Mary Frances