Pet Therapy
Our Pet Therapy Program enhances the care environment by providing patients with the opportunity to be visited by specially certified canines.
The Healing Power of Pet Therapy
Studies have shown that pet therapy provides comfort and a sense of well-being which promotes healing and improves the quality of life. Our four-footed certified therapists visit patients on R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, the FitzPatrick Cancer Center Waiting Area, the Skilled Nursing Facility, Surgical Patient Family Waiting Area, Front Lobby and Pediatrics.
To request a visit from one of our amazing therapy dogs, please contact Volunteer Services at (518) 562-7595. You may also ask your nurse to make the request on your behalf.
Becoming a Pet Therapy Volunteer
To become part of the Pet Therapy team, dogs and their humans must be certified by Therapy Dogs International, Canine Companions for Independence, Delta Dogs, Therapy Dogs of Vermont or Love on a Leash. Most dogs and their handlers take classes to prepare for two mandatory tests. These tests are the Canine Good Citizen Test and a Therapy Dog test. For more information on these classes and tests, contact the Clinton County Canine Club.
Those who complete the certification process and pass both tests can become CVPH volunteers. That application process includes:
- A background check
- A health assessment (including a TB test)
- Providing copies of certifications and vaccinations (for both the handler and the dog)
New Pet Therapy Volunteers
New Pet Therapy volunteers are teamed with an experienced dog/human pair who provides an orientation to the organization and visiting. A series of tests to ensure readiness is also conducted. Humans will be scheduled for a mandatory Volunteer Orientation and both dogs and their humans will be photographed for their official name badge.
For More Information
To learn more about how to get involved with the CVPH Pet Therapy program, contact:
Sarah Hardy
Manager of Volunteer Services
(518) 562-7595
Send an email