Pet Therapy at Totally Kids

Pet therapy is a very important part of the treatment plan for our patients.  Pet Prescription therapy dogs visit with our patients in the acute rehabilitation unit and our subacute unit.   By working together with these trained dogs our patients benefit physically and mentally from these interactions. Research has proven that therapy dog visits can help reduce blood pressure, improve overall cardiovascular health, and release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve the patient’s overall psychological state. Therapy dog visits help our young patients to cope with their hospital stay while encouraging them while they are working hard on their recovery. It is amazing how motivating a dog can be to help our patients meet their goals. This is just one part of many interventions that are provided here at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.