We provide an Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program to patients and their families for therapeutic purposes. Scientific research has shown a patient's interaction with an animal can provide positive physical and emotional benefits, helping them to:
- Get up, move, walk, leave their room and play
- Participate in therapy (physical, occupational and speech)
- Forget their discomfort or pain for a while
- Interact more with others
- Improve their mood
- Improve their interactions with family and staff
- Do things that may be a struggle, such as eating, taking medication or waiting
Patient bedside visits are requested by the patient's doctors, nurses, occupational and physical therapists or child life specialists. We work with the patient's care team to create a session that works toward the patient's treatment goals.
- For information on how to become involved in the program as a volunteer, check out our Animal-Assisted Therapy volunteer page.
The AAT Program includes a volunteer team and facility dog teams:
Our volunteer therapy animal team visits patients, families and staff at events and at the bedside, improving their mood and helping them through tough days. Current therapy animals are pictured here.
Our full-time employed facility dog teams work with staff to help patients meet treatment goals, from physical therapy sessions to preparing for an upcoming surgery or procedure. Our facility dogs live and work with their handler and are specially trained to work full-time in the hospital setting.
Lisa and Checkers
Rehabilitation
Breanna and Sparky
Child Life
