The volunteer Pet Therapy program at SRHS began in 2012 and consists of specially trained and certified dogs that visit patients during their hospital stay.
The certified pet therapy dogs offer patients a soothing presence and provide a sense of companionship. Along with feeling less alone during a hospital visit, pet therapy can help patients and their families cope with worry and stress, because it’s hard not to smile when you see a happy face and a wagging tail!
SRHS has incorporated pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, into several of their facilities, including Spartanburg Medical Center, Spartanburg Medical Center – Mary Black Campus, Pelham Medical Center, Cherokee Medical Center and Hospice Home.
A patient’s medical provider must approve pet therapy visits, and the dogs are only allowed in specific areas of the hospital.
If you would like a pet therapy volunteer to visit you, or someone you know, during a hospital stay, ask a nurse or care provider to contact volunteer services.
Qualifications
All dogs that participate in SRHS pet therapy must complete a training and certification course that is sanctioned by an AKA-recognized pet therapy certification organization before they can apply to participate in the program.
SRHS completes a background check on each dog owner/handler, and they must submit their dog’s updated paperwork and immunization records to the hospital each year.