MADISON, Wis. – UW Health is excited to grow its Caring Canines program, which started in 2023. This initiative helps patients and their families feel more at ease during hospital stays.
When the program began, it received 440 dog applications. After careful testing for important traits like obedience and temperament, only 26 dogs were chosen.
Brianna Peterson, a child life specialist and the program coordinator for UW Health Kids, explained why those specific dogs were selected. “What matters most isn’t the breed or size but their obedience and temperament,” she said. “The community’s response has been amazing, but only about 10 to 15% of the dogs we tested were the right fit for a hospital.”
Here are the requirements dogs must meet to pass the temperament test:
- Respond to “sit” and “lie down” with one command.
- Stay in place until called, using just one command.
- Walk calmly on a relaxed leash without pulling, even when excited.
- Follow commands without the lure of treats.
- Remain quiet, avoiding excessive barking or whining.
- Be fully vaccinated and pass annual health testing, including rabies, DHPP, leptospirosis, Bordetella, heartworm, and fecal tests.
Peterson emphasized that the goal of the program is to help patients feel a sense of normalcy. She highlighted that these dog visits have a significant positive influence on children in the hospital.
“The joy on a child’s face when a dog enters the room for a cuddle is priceless,” Peterson shared. “That’s why we seek dogs with outstanding obedience.”
Thanks to community support, the program has flourished over the past two years, making a tremendous difference for the patients.
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Source linkUW Health,Madison,Wisconsin,Caring Canines
