Pet Therapy
Trained volunteers and their dogs in the Wolfson Children's pet therapy program bring joy to children of all ages. Patients are able to interact safely with the dogs and receive their unconditional love, making their hospital stay less stressful and more like home. Pet visits also help to reduce anxiety and provide much-needed distraction from illness and hospitalization.
More Than Just Wagging Tails
Eagerly awaiting the wagging tails that come bouncing down the hospital halls on their scheduled days, it's not surprising that the patients, families and staff become attached to the special dogs in the pet therapy program. But pet therapy does more than elicit giggles. Dogs provide a therapeutic value to hospitalized children beyond what their human family members and our hospital team can.
To participate in pet therapy, call our Auxiliary at 904.202.8008.
Become a Volunteer
Learn more about volunteering with our pet therapy program.
Related Information
Family Dog Visits
Our Comforting Paws dog visitation program lets long-term patients visit with their family pet in a special room at the hospital. It's for kids who have been in the hospital 5+ days or in an end-of-life situation. The program has special requirements and is a collaboration between the Auxiliary and the Child Life department.
Comforting Paws Guidelines
Your dog is an important part of your family and can play an important part in helping your child feel better. To arrange a visit with your dog, please read the information below.