Amerman Family Foundation Animal-Assisted Therapy Program

Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has partnered with the Amerman Family Foundation to bring visits from four-legged caregivers to our patients.

The physical, psychological and emotional benefits of animal interaction with patients who are hospitalized are well documented and with children especially so. By animals offering their unconditional love and acceptance, children often see them as their friends.

Currently the dog and handler teams are utilized in three different ways:

Bedside Visits
Comfort patients who may not leave their rooms
Rehabilitation Services
Animals are used to motivate patients during their rehabilitation therapy (e.g., dogs run alongside children who are regaining strength and mobility in their legs).
Comfort and Pain Management
Bedside visits to patients who are in chronic pain.