CHOP Facility Dog Program
When a patient needs a little extra support, they may benefit from a visit from a CHOP facility dog.
These specially trained dogs work with Child Life staff members to help patients and families during hospitalization.
How Facility Dogs Can Help
A facility dog can:
- Motivate patients to walk, eat or take their medicine
- Comfort patients and families facing a chronic or life-changing illness
- Help patients cope with the stress of hospitalization by providing unconditional love
Eligibility
To be eligible for a visit from a CHOP facility dog, patient must be:
- Free from pet allergies
- 3 years old or older
- Having difficulty coping with hospitalization
- Hospitalized for at least three days, with no anticipated discharge within the next 24 hours
Patients are not eligible for a facility dog visit if they or their roommate are on contact isolation/precautions.
Due to our strict infection prevention and control measures, facility dogs are not permitted to visit certain units in the hospital.
Request a Visit
Requests for a visit from a facility dog must be submitted by the patient’s primary child life specialist or bedside nurse.