Patient interacts with a pet therapy dog.

May 02, 2018 / General News

#SRHaccess Facebook LIVE Recap: Pet Therapy

On this week’s Facebook live, our Child Life team and two of the hospital's special four-legged friends joined us to discuss pet therapy and the benefits it provides to our patients. Below is a recap of the conversation.

Watch the live segment. 

Facts about pet therapy at the hospital:
  • Every Wednesday morning, dogs are escorted to the inpatient unit to interact with the patients.
  • Two groups are involved with the hospital: PAWS Across Texas and Pet Partners
  • The dogs spend time with our patients at their bedside to provide comfort. 
  • The hospital’s patient activity coordinator on the Child Life team escorts the handler and the dog from room to room to visit with patients who are interested. 
  • The Child Life specialist will check with the guardian and patient beforehand to make sure they are comfortable interacting with the dogs. 
What are the benefits of pet therapy?
  • Relaxes the patients
  • Helps to alleviate pain 
  • Helps with anxiety
  • Motivates patients to perk up if sleepy/groggy
  • Lifts spirits of patients all together 
What are the different activities patients can do with the dogs?
  • Snuggle and pet the dogs
  • Do tricks with the dogs 
  • Brush the dogs
  • Handlers bring various toys for patients to interact with the dogs 
  • Feed the dogs treats
What types of dogs visit the hospital? 
  • Two dogs visit the hospital each Wednesday morning. 
  • Both small and large dog breeds. 
What areas of the hospital do the dogs visit?
  • Inpatient unit
  • Infusion clinic -  4th floor
  • Inpatient holiday parties
Learn more about our Child Life services. 
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