Pet therapy is a volunteer service that generates many smiles on the faces of our patients and families. Currently our pet therapy program consists of 31 dogs. Each dog is escorted throughout the hospital by their handler/owner and plays a vital role in the treatment of our patients. The pet therapy dogs and their handlers may be seen regularly throughout the hospital campus any day of the week. These special canine teams also bring much joy with guest appearances at CHOC events, such as Cancer Survivors Day, Halloween festivities, and the NICU reunion.

Pet Therapy teams must be registered with the Delta Society and/or Therapy Dogs International prior to applying for the CHOC Pet Therapy Program. These national organizations will register the team once they have passed an obedience test. If a pet handler is interested in joining the CHOC Pet Therapy Program, a team application must be submitted, followed by an interview conducted with the Volunteer Services Department. Upon acceptance in to the CHOC program, the pet owner must complete all of the necessary Volunteer requirements, such as orientation classes and passing a medical test and background check.

Dogs must be at least one year of age and handlers must have the ability to take leadership roles. CHOC is looking for teams to be outgoing and friendly, have some experience working with children, and have a professional presentation. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer CHOC Pet Therapy team and you are registered with Delta Society or Therapy Dogs International, please click the link below to view the job description and to complete an application.

For more information on The Delta Society, please their website at www.DeltaSociety.org 

For more information on Therapy Dogs International, please their website at www.tdi-dog.org. 

 Pet Therapy Job Description