Meet the hospital dogs ‘making a real difference’ by getting sick kids to smile
Specially trained facility dogs are increasingly being integrated into children's hospitals to provide emotional support and motivation for young patients. These full-time working dogs, distinct from volunteer therapy animals, are shown to reduce stress, pain, and anxiety while creating a more normal and comfortable hospital environment. Programs are expanding nationwide, with organizations like Canine Assistants placing numerous dogs and hospitals funding their care through fundraising and grants. AI
IMPACT Enhances patient care through animal-assisted therapies, improving well-being and reducing stress in pediatric settings.