Robert Flannery Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | U. of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Robert Flannery Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | U. of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Thanks to community support, the volunteer program Caring Canines at American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, has been thriving for two years. Launched in 2023, the initiative allows hospitalized children to interact with dogs almost daily as part of an effort to help patients and families cope with hospital stays.
The program's primary aim is to provide a feel-good, social visit that helps normalize the hospital experience. Brianna Peterson, child life specialist and canine program coordinator at UW Health Kids, explained that when the program was first announced in 2023, there were 440 applicants eager to participate. After thorough testing for obedience and temperament, 26 dogs were selected for the Caring Canines program. Volunteers bring their dogs twice a month for two-hour visits across three approved inpatient units.
“This program would not be possible without the huge response from the community, so we are incredibly grateful,” Peterson said.
Caring Canines aims to expand into more units this year but emphasizes that suitable dogs are necessary. “Breed, age or size are not as important as excellent obedience and the right temperament,” she stated. Only about 10 to 15% of tested dogs met these requirements.
Peterson stressed that while many dogs have great qualities as pets, they might not suit a hospital setting where safety and normal operations must be prioritized. To join the program, dogs must meet strict criteria including obeying commands without treats and being up-to-date on vaccinations.
“These visits mean so much to the kids," Peterson said. "It never gets old seeing a kid’s face light up when a dog comes in the room for a cuddle.”
Caring Canines differs from CHAMPs (Canine Health and Medical Pals), which involves four specialty-trained facility dogs working alongside staff with specific coping plans for patients. The Caring Canines replaced Pet Pals therapy program that began in 1996 but ended during COVID-19.
Funding for Caring Canines is provided entirely through philanthropic efforts.
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