Pet Therapy
It is believed that the benefits the hospitalized patients receive from the Pet Therapy program are social interaction, increased verbalization, self-esteem, reality orientation, stress reduction, distraction and diversion, sensory stimulation, humanization and normalization of the hospital experience. Therefore, Pet Therapy is a very important part of the services provided through Volunteer Services. It is rendered through collaboration with The Jae-Mar-S Academy of Dogs, and consists of certified dogs and handlers, who provide monthly visits to various areas within the hospital.
Requirements to Pet Therapy
All dogs and dog handlers desiring to participate in the Pet Therapy program must be registered with the Jae-Mar-S Academy of Dogs. In addition, participants are required to submit any requested documentation, such as certifications and shot records of the dogs, to the Volunteer Services office.