Pet Therapy Program Proposal for the US Department of Health and Human Services 1996 Secretary's Award

Abstract

Dogs have been an important part of the lives of human beings for centuries, and the value of service dogs for the visually and hearing impaired has been recognized for many years.1,2 But, the human-animal bond has only recently been formally integrated into pet-facilitated therapy programs designed to improve the physical and mental well being of people. In particular, the special, innate relationship between animals and children presents opportunities to benefit pediatric patients hospitalized for long periods.3,4 Canine pet therapy visits can help children and their families minimize the pain and emotional trauma associated with hospitalization. Visits from volunteer dogs may help patients who have pets at home maintain more normal living patterns during their hospital stays. Canine visitors also can provide positive experiences for children that will allow them to grow emotionally despite extended hospitalization. The primary objective of the project was to establish a canine pet therapy program for patients at the University of Wisconsin (UW) Children's Hospital. To begin development of the program, veterinary medical students consulted with experts from a variety of fields including Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Clinical Pathology, Child Life, Rehabilitation Psychology, and Pediatric Allergy. A task force of UW Children's Hospital physicians, staff, and administrators were involved throughout development of the program to ensure its successful implementation and utilization. A behavior evaluation protocol was created for potential volunteer dogs to ensure safe and enjoyable visits for the dogs and the pediatric patients they visit. A veterinary health protocol was designed to minimize patient exposure to allergens and zoonotic agents and was approved by the UW Hospital's Infection Control Committee, the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department, the Allergy Department, and Risk Management. A variety of fund raising opportunities were developed to support the program financially.