The Impact of Facility Dogs in Children’s Hospitals

Children in hospitals face discomfort and stress due to their medical conditions and treatments. However, in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the presence of facility dogs like Hadley transforms these emotions into moments of joy and comfort. Calvin Owens, a 5-year-old patient, found happiness during his hospital stay as he threw a ball to Hadley, his canine companion, despite being connected to medical equipment. His smile, alongside encouragement from caregivers, marked a significant moment of joy and improvement.

Facility dogs at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are not typical therapy dogs. They are specially trained working dogs that assist in reducing stress, enhancing mobility, and providing emotional support to young patients. These dogs contribute to making the hospital atmosphere more comforting. Reports from across the nation indicate an increase in the number of such facility dogs, showing their growing role in children’s hospitals.

Research highlights the significant benefits facility dogs bring. Brief interactions with these dogs have been shown to improve overall well-being and reduce stress indicators such as cortisol and blood pressure. Kerri Rodriguez from the Human-Animal Bond Lab at the University of Arizona emphasizes the positive changes these dogs bring, offering a semblance of normalcy and comfort in hospital settings.

The expansion of facility dog programs is evident, although exact numbers of these dogs are not tracked. Events like the annual Facility Dog Summit showcase this growth, with attendance numbers increasing. Children’s hospitals like Mount Sinai Kravis in New York, Norton Children’s in Kentucky, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital have embraced these programs for years. Johns Hopkins Children’s Center recently introduced two facility dogs, enhancing their support system for patients.

Nonprofits like Canine Companions provide these dogs to hospitals. Organizations breed, raise, and train dogs such as Labradors and golden retrievers for this work. Although hospitals do not purchase the dogs, they manage expenses related to food, veterinary care, and grooming, typically funded through donations or grants.

Interactions with facility dogs are often praised by pediatric health professionals. A 2022 survey revealed that dogs help normalize the environment, build rapport, and provide comfort. Studies in journals have shown the benefits of animal-assisted therapies in managing pain and reducing anxiety in children and adolescents.

In hospital settings, facility dogs are integrated into sensitive areas, serving specific units. For instance, at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, dogs work in pediatric behavioral health and child protection units, requiring stringent cleanliness standards to ensure safety for immunocompromised patients.

Hadley’s daily routine begins alongside her handler Schellie Scott, a child life assistant focused on normalizing patients’ experiences. Hadley participates in patient sessions but also enjoys leisure activities like playing outdoors with her canine colleague Grover. Inside the hospital, Hadley and Grover become well-known figures, akin to celebrities, with their appearances and themed shows broadcasted through closed-circuit television to patient rooms.

Patients engage with dogs through interactive activities such as trading cards, personalized bandanas, and art projects. Dogs like Hadley also spend time with families during challenging moments. For example, Aspen Franklin, battling a severe immune disorder, finds comfort in Hadley’s calming presence, which extends to her family, helping them cope during medical procedures and hospital stays.

Facility dogs, including Hadley, offer a valuable source of emotional support, making significant differences in the lives of young patients and their families. Their presence in hospitals creates moments of joy, improving experiences for those undergoing difficult treatments.