At Baylor Scott & White, we look to put smiles on our patients faces any way we can. And sometimes, bringing our furry friends to visit (and work with) our patients does just the trick. The Animal Assisted Therapy program began in 1985 with one sheltie, Dusty, visiting patients once a week. Since then, the number of therapy dogs has continued to grow to keep up with the increasing demand for this type of therapy.
Is your dog a candidate for the program?
Requirements include:
- Must be between the ages of 1 and 9 years
- Must have completed a formal obedience class
- Must be tested in the hospital
Owner requirements include:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a non-nicotine user
- Fill out application with references and background checked
- Attend health clinic with drug screening, two TB tests, TDAP vaccine, MMR titers and a flu shot
- Complete orientation
- Be able to volunteer at least once every 90 days
Locations
Currently, animal assisted therapy volunteer opportunities are only available at locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
For more information on this program, please complete the online volunteer form.