Dog Volunteers

Dog Volunteer Program

DOG VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Each year, over 50 volunteers bring highly trained and registered therapy dogs to Children's Hospital Los Angeles through the Amerman Family Foundation Dog Therapy Program. Dogs in this program bring their compassionate healing power to our young patients.

This program is rewarding for both dogs and their owners. In addition to the satisfaction that pet owners feel while their dog comforts patients and their families while visiting our hospital, owners enjoy seeing their pets showcased on our website.

HOW DOG AND HANDLER TEAMS HELP OUR PATIENTS

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

START VOLUNTEERING WITH YOUR DOG

Pet owners who volunteer for this type of service are very special people who enjoy sharing the unique talents and abilities of their dogs with others.The requirements outlined below are designed to ensure the safety of our patients and the viability of the program so that we can continue providing dog visits to our sick and injured children well into the future.

The immense support we receive from donors like you helps us meet 90% of our patients' needs for blood transfusions each year! On behalf of our patients, Thank You!

HANDLER/DOG REQUIREMENTS

Meet Our Dog Volunteers

(Click to see their bios)

The majority of the requirements to participate in the dog therapy program revolve around preparing the owner and the dog for success in a pediatric health care setting, where a dog’s tail or ear might get pulled during a visit, where unfamiliar people are walking in and out of the care environment and where unfamiliar sounds and smells may be present.

To be considered for the program, you and your dog must be a registered Pet Partner with the Delta Society. You and your dog must also successfully complete an evaluation by Children’s Hospital Los Angeles staff. In addition, you must complete the standard hospital volunteer requirements asked of all of our volunteers.