Pet Therapy: The Power of Our Furry Friends

Did you know pet therapy has the power to stimulate healing and recovery for children hospitals? The benefits of pet therapy are numerous and well documented in the scientific literature. Researchers have evaluated the effectiveness of pet therapy in a number of hospital settings and have found a wide range of advantages.

Animals have long served as an important source of social contact and bonding for humans. Pet companionship has been associated with improved overall mental, social, and psychological health status. (Friedmann & Heesook 2009). Research has shown that companion animals serve as an aid to relaxation, as indicated by decreased blood pressure, heart rate and increased peripheral skin temperature. (Baun, et.al, 1991) This is known as a relaxation response.

Studies of established pet therapy programs; PAWS, Magical Dreams & Pet Pals at Wisconsin Children’s Hospital found that Pet visits had both a relaxing and stimulatory effect on pediatric- adolescent patients as well as provided stress relief, reduction of pain, normalization of hospital milieu, improvement of mood and well being, generation of positive rapport and feelings, improved satisfaction and morale for patients and parents. (Wu, et.al.) (Kaminski, et.al. 2002) (Gagnon, et.al.2004)  Pets provide a distraction from pain as well as a comforting reminder of home. In addition patients reported pets are a source of pleasure, happiness, comfort, and fun. The physical contact provided by the pets further contribute to the reduction of pain.

Here at Totally Kids we have a remarkable pet therapy program. We partner with a company called Pet Prescription. Pet Prescription dogs are trained therapy dogs who arrive with their trainers and wear training jackets. The dogs even have their own business cards! Pet Therapy Day creates a lot of excitement for the children and lights up their faces! Sadie, Allie, and Bogart are led by their trainers Marge, Kathy, and Tina, and pour out a lot of love and care on the kiddos here at Totally Kids. Parents often join the fun as well! Pet Therapy is held the first and third Monday of every month from 2-3pm. We invite you to come by and say hello to our furry friends. Hope to see you then!