Madison Reporter

UW Health is inviting dog owners to apply for its Caring Canines program, intended to aid both adult and pediatric patients. "We had a similar program before the pandemic, but it was paused, and now we are excited to bring it back, better than ever," said Shelley Anderson-Beatty, manager, guest services at UW Health in northern Illinois. The program aims to improve patients' physical, social, emotional, or cognitive functions through interactions with dogs.

The updated initiative plans to offer visits to patients across five approved floors at UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital and the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center Rockford. "Caring Canines will help patients cope with the stress and uncertainty of their time in the hospital," Anderson-Beatty said, highlighting the necessity of community support for daily visits.

To ensure the best fit, a high volume of applicants is needed. Anderson-Beatty stressed the importance of safety and obedience, stating, "We encourage anyone thinking about applying to carefully review the requirements."

Potential volunteer teams must meet several criteria: volunteers need to be over 18, commit to a year of service, and visit twice monthly. Dogs must sit, stay, and walk on a leash with a single command, be sociable with other dogs, not bark or whine, be vaccinated, and follow commands without treats.

The enrollment process includes a four-step application, featuring temperament testing scheduled for June. "As we are a hospital caring for patients, safety is our top priority," conveyed Anderson-Beatty, ensuring strict standards are upheld. Not all applicants will participate in temperament testing, nor will all who attend be accepted.