We have recently started the Pet Therapy program at our hospital.  Would be interested in those who have this program and how they make it work.  so far so good.

I, too would very much like to begin a pet therapy program in my hospital and have a certified therapy dog and owner willing to start.  I cannot get approval to do this.  Please share how you gained approval, especially through your Infection Control department.

Thanks in advance.

Many years ago prior to me coming on board (12 or more years) our hospital had a small pet therapy program.  I understand when the pets passed away they were not replaced and no one new recruited to fill the void. 

About 5 months ago volunteer services began investigating the use of pet therapy (start a new).  Within a month of deciding the volunteer department would begin a new program we had 2 certified pet therapy dogs and their wonderful owners on board. 

The department did a placement description, got input and blessing (after a few adjustments) from infection control nurse and reviewed with my supervisor, VP of Patient Care Services.  Our hospital holds a monthly Management Council meeting (about 100+ attend - managers and directors, VP's, CEO and COO).  At this meeting I was on the agenda along with the 2 (4 including owners) new additions to Volunteer Services.  The dogs cute as could be (their owners not bad either) and the crowd fell in love.  The owners discussed what they have experienced in other setting such as nursing homes, benefits, etc. 

We now have 3 pet therapy dogs that each come weekly (at different times).  They are certified therapy dogs (various certificates).  The patients (guest) love them, family members love them and the employees welcome the visits and diversion. 

If you would like a copy of my placement description (policy) please drop me an email at brownc@monhealthsys.org and I will send your way. 

We have a Pet Therapy program that visits mostly on Rehab and Pediatrics.  (although any department director can request it)   We use the local chapter of Delta society.  We keep copies of the animals records in the handler's file as well as requireing the handler to go through hospital orientation and be considered an official volunteer.  Both the handler AND the animal (dogs) wear an ID badge to help protect from just any pet  being brought into the hospital.

We too use the local Delta Society chapter, known as Hand In Paw.  Our program is on-going for many years and like others started small and grew to the place where we have pets in at least 3 days a week in many areas of the health system including clinics, public areas and certain units. Last year they provided over 800 hours of service.

Infection control was the major issue as has already been stated.  The owners do go through our orientation and both owner and pet have ID badges that must be worn. 

We had success in getting pets into some areas that infection control probably would have fought us by having a doctor who has a therapy dog.

Pets have been dismissed as volunteers if they break the training and rules of pet therapy--usually going back to licking people.

For a different take, the local zoo also presents an animal education program in the lobby for the kids.  Again infection control was involved.  Our child life services is responsible for this activity.