Susan, we have a Pet Therapy Program through our Child Life department here at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.  Our Pet Therapy teams (including dog owner, dog and escort volunteer) come twice monthly and on a regular scheduled basis.  The Pet Therapy teams are given a list upon arrival of patients to visit.  On the lists are the patient's name, MRN and room number and notes about the visit.  Child Life keeps a record of the visits for up to one year.  I hope this information is helpful.  Thank you.

Our pet team signs in/out during their visit to track hours, but we do not require additional documentation on pet visits.  Vicki, I noticed your pets can visit your Family Birth Place.  We do not allow visits on our Mother/Baby Unit.  Can you explain who your pet teams are visiting in the Family Birth Place?  Thanks! 

Cindy,

They are allowed to visit in the mother/baby unit with no restrictions.  We have not had anyone visit there yet, but if someone asked they could certainly visit.  We put it in place for visits to waiting room/siblings/mothers on bed rest.  Hope this helps.  Vicki

Our pets/handlers can visit patient rooms only if there is a doctor's order on file for a pet therapy visit. Otherwise, they visit the waiting rooms and general areas as well as visit with staff. A popular location is our office buildings: business office, administration, etc.  

The handlers document number of interactions each day they are here and we record those. Typically they just email that number to me after their visit.

Patty