Facility Dogs: Bringing Comfort to Children’s Hospitals

Facility dogs are providing invaluable support in children’s hospitals, delivering much more than companionship. These dogs, unlike volunteer therapy dogs, are trained to work full-time. They enter sensitive areas and assist patients throughout their hospital stay.

Experts note that the presence of facility dogs in children’s hospitals is expanding nationwide. Research has revealed benefits for young patients. Even brief interactions improve well-being and reduce stress and pain. This helps children feel more comfortable in unfamiliar medical environments.

At Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, dogs like Hadley offer emotional support during challenging procedures and inspire activity and a sense of normalcy. Their influence reaches beyond patient rooms. Photos of them decorate the hallways. They appear on television and receive letters and drawings from children.

A five-year-old patient, Calvin Owens, is seen playing with Hadley, aided by physical therapist Paige Torbet. Another child, Aspen Franklin, participates in a painting activity where Hadley “paints” by licking peanut butter over a paint-dabbed canvas managed by child life assistant Schellie Scott.

In other interactions, Grover, another facility dog, collaborates with patient Kira Hodge at Seacrest Studios to produce a closed-circuit television show for patient rooms. Grover also enjoys playtime in a designated facility dog area.

Facility dogs make a significant difference in the lives of young patients. Eleven-year-old Bethany Striggles finds comfort as Hadley sits with her after a chemotherapy session. The dogs’ presence underscores their role in providing emotional and psychological support to children undergoing treatment.