Therapy Dog Program
We recognize the positive influence that pets can have on patients. As a result, LifeTouch Health has a thriving Therapy Dog Program that offers volunteers with certified therapy dogs the opportunity to visit patients in nursing homes and our inpatient facilities.
Not to be confused with service dogs, therapy dogs help patients by simply visiting them. These special dogs have an ability to connect with – and bring joy to – all kinds of people, even those who are normally unresponsive or disconnected from their environments. Good therapy dogs are quick learners with loving, easygoing personalities and can stay calm in unusual or stressful situations.
Volunteer
To participate in our Therapy Dog Program, the dog’s owner or handler must be a trained and certified LifeTouch Health volunteer, and the animal must:
Be a minimum of one year old
Be healthy
Be friendly
Be accompanied by an adult when handlers are younger than 18, with a registration form signed by a parent or legal guardian
Pass an evaluation that is certified by a national organization, such as Therapy Dogs International, Pet Partners or Alliance of Therapy Dogs
For more information on the LifeTouch Health Therapy Dog program, please contact us.