Go

Dog Therapy

Print Page A A A

Amerman Family Foundation DOG Therapy Program

Children's Hospital Los Angeles has partnered with the Amerman Family Foundation to bring visits from four-legged caregivers to our patients.  Each year, over fifty volunteers bring their highly trained, registered therapy dogs to our hospital to share their compassionate healing power with our young patients. 

The physical, psychological and emotional benefits of animal interactions with patients who are hospitalized are well documented, especially with children.  Because dogs offer unconditional love and acceptance, children often see them as friends.

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

  • Bedside visits offer companionship and comfort to our patients who spend long hours in bed.
  • Dogs make bedside visits to our patients who are in chronic pain in order to provide comfort and pain management. 
  • Dogs are used to motivate patients and assist therapists during occupational and physical therapy.

This program is rewarding for both dogs and their owners.  The dogs enjoy interacting with patients, their families, and staff, and owners enjoy watching their dogs bring love and happiness to those they visit.

Volunteer with the Amerman Family Foundation Dog Therapy Program