Pet Pals is a heartwarming pet therapy program connecting trained volunteers and their well-behaved dogs with adults and children in need of companionship. These dedicated “pet pals” make in-room visits, bringing smiles and comfort to those who would greatly benefit from the presence of a furry friend. Operating under the umbrella of animal-assisted therapy, Pet Pals harnesses the incredible bond between humans and animals to foster healing and well-being.
The positive impacts of pet therapy are widely recognized for both children and adults. Interactions with therapy animals have been shown to significantly reduce stress levels, promote emotional and even physical healing, contribute to lower blood pressure, and effectively lift spirits. For individuals in hospital settings, Pet Pals offers a unique and comforting source of tactile connection, providing a sense of normalcy and joy during challenging times. This gentle interaction can be particularly beneficial in alleviating anxiety and fostering a more positive hospital experience.
University Hospitals proudly hosts the Pet Pals program, featuring a diverse range of dog breeds, each bringing their unique charm and personality to patient visits. To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved, every Pet Pals dog undergoes a thorough veterinary examination and a stringent behavioral screening process. Furthermore, all dogs are meticulously bathed before each hospital visit, maintaining a high standard of hygiene and care. Pet Pals regularly visits Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, brightening Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 PM to 8 PM with wagging tails and loving snuggles.
If you are passionate about the human-animal bond and interested in making a meaningful difference, volunteering with the Pet Pals program could be an incredibly rewarding experience. For detailed information on how to become a Pet Pals volunteer and bring joy to patients’ lives, please contact the Volunteer Office at 216-844-1504. They will guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have about joining this compassionate team.
Becoming a Pet Pal Volunteer: Requirements and Screening
To ensure the highest standards of care and safety within the Pet Pals program at UH Cleveland, specific requirements and screening criteria are in place for both dogs and their owners who wish to volunteer.
- Age and Maturity: Dogs must be between 2 and 8 years old at the time of screening to participate. Volunteer owners must be at least 18 years of age.
- Neutering Preference: While not mandatory, neutering of male dogs is preferred to minimize potential behavioral issues in a hospital environment.
- Therapy Dog Certification: Dogs are required to hold current certifications from recognized therapy dog organizations such as Therapy Dog International, Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society), or Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. This certification ensures dogs have met specific training and temperament standards.
- Temperament and Behavior: Prospective Pet Pals must possess a friendly and obedient nature, with absolutely no history of aggression or biting incidents. A temperament evaluation will be conducted to assess suitability.
- Teamwork is Key: Only the owner/volunteer who has undergone testing with the dog is authorized to bring that dog for hospital visits. If multiple family members wish to participate with the same dog, each individual must complete the Temperament Evaluation Test.
- Dual Screening Process: Acceptance into the Pet Pals program hinges on successfully meeting both the behavioral and medical screening criteria. This comprehensive assessment ensures the well-being of patients, volunteers, and therapy dogs alike.
- Mandatory Orientation: Upon acceptance into the program, all Pet Pals volunteers are required to attend a specific orientation session. This orientation provides essential training and guidelines to ensure volunteers are fully prepared for hospital visits. Completion of this orientation is mandatory prior to patient interaction.
- Probationary Period: New Pet Pal teams undergo a probationary period consisting of six visits. Following this period, an evaluation is conducted to determine permanent enrollment in the program, ensuring ongoing suitability and program standards are maintained.
- Behavior Guidelines and Review: Inappropriate behavior from either the owner/volunteer or the dog may result in removal from the program. A dedicated Behavior Guideline Review Board is in place to address and make decisions regarding such cases, upholding program integrity.
- Time Commitment: Volunteers are expected to commit to at least one scheduled day per month (e.g., 1st Tuesday, 3rd Thursday) to ensure consistent program availability for patients.
- Annual Veterinary Check-up: To ensure the continued health and well-being of therapy dogs, annual documented veterinarian visits are mandatory for all dogs enrolled in the Pet Pals program.
- Centralized Coordination: UH Cleveland Medical Center manages all Pet Pal volunteers, with the exception of those volunteering at UH Portage Medical Center, which has its own coordination.
Recognized Therapy Dog Certification Organizations
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center mandates that all dogs participating in the Pet Pals program hold valid Therapy Dog Certification from recognized organizations. Below are details for the three organizations currently recognized by the program. We encourage you to contact them directly for comprehensive information on certification processes and requirements.
- Therapy Dog International (TDI): https://www.tdi-dog.org/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 973-252-9800
- Pet Partners: https://petpartners.org/ (Formerly Delta Society)
- Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs: http://www.golden-dogs.org/ Phone: 1-888-PET-5770
By participating in the Pet Pals program, you and your canine companion can become beacons of joy and comfort, making a tangible difference in the lives of patients within our community. Consider joining Pet Pals and experience the profound rewards of animal-assisted therapy firsthand.
