Pet Therapy

Would you like a visit from a furry friend, but don’t want to bring your own pet to the hospital? Through the St.Joseph Pet Partners program, therapy dogs certified by the Delta Society and their handlers visit patients who have an interest in the program. The rigorous Delta Society training process requires each dog to prove it is reliable, predictable and controllable. Before going on the floors, dogs must pass the Delta Society certification and demonstrate they will react appropriately to hospital equipment and noises, clumsy petting, and being passed to strangers.

Pet Partners is helping bring the Spirit of Caring to animal lovers who don’t have a pet or don’t want to have their pet come to the hospital.

To request a visit from a pet therapy dog, speak with your nurse.