Pet therapy volunteers and their pets bring comfort and joy to the patients, families, and guests at Penn State Health.
The Pet Therapy Program has been giving patients, families, visitors, and staff the opportunity to interact with trained pets in a therapeutic setting. The small pet therapy team at the Children’s Hospital consists of volunteers, and all pets are owned, loved, and trained by their owners (or “handlers”).
Why volunteer?
You’ll see the immediate effects of your work in the smiles of patients, many of whom miss their own pets at home.
There are many benefits of pet therapy include:
- Stress relief
- Mental stimulation
- Improved depression and anxiety
- Lowering of blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate
- Positive distraction
What will I do as a pet therapy volunteer?
Handlers bring their trained and registered therapy pets to the hospital to visit patients, families, and visitors. Each visit is customized to meet the patient’s needs. Pets may cuddle with patients, pose for pictures, or even get up on the patient’s bed (as long as there’s a protective sheet).
Handlers supervise and guide these visits, giving their pet commands when necessary and ensuring that the interaction is a positive one for all involved.
Do my pet and I need special training?
Yes. If you’re interested in participating in the Pet Therapy Program, the first step is to register your pet with one of the following therapy pet organizations:
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD)
- Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS)
- Caring Hearts
- Pet Partners
In addition, you should have completed 20 hours of documented medical facility therapy visits before applying to our Pet Therapy Program.
When can I volunteer?
Visiting dates and times vary.
What’s the application process?
The Pet Therapy Program is very popular. Before applying, please email the appropriate Pet Therapy Program Coordinators to check if there are any openings available.
Pet Therapy Program Coordinators:
- Penn State Health Children’s Hospital: Megan Blashford or Tiffaney Horner
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Tracy Johnsen
- Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center and Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center: Elizabeth Keating
- Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center: Carolyn Garcia
- Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center: Samantha Heim
If openings are available, you will be asked to complete an online application.
Participants are required to:
- Attend a mandatory orientation
- Provide health screening documentation and veterinary records for your pet
- Meet with a Pet Therapy Coordinator, who will evaluate your pet’s interaction with patients and guests