Animal-Assisted Therapy
Want more information?
Contact Volunteer Services at 320-255-5638, e-mail us.
In Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), a Pet Partners registered handler and animal team assists in the treatment of patients to achieve specific health care goals. AAT helps promote physical, social, emotional and/or mental healing. AAT is performed under the direction of a health care provider. AAT dogs and handlers are St. Cloud Hospital volunteers who have completed extensive training.
What are the benefits of AAT?
Human-animal interaction can provide benefits to adults and children in the health care setting. The use of a trained therapy animal in collaboration with a health care professional can enhance the mental and emotional well being, physical rehabilitation and medical recuperation of a patient. A visit by an AAT dog in the hospital also has shown to positively affect the well being of family members, visitors and staff.
Benefits include:
- Less anxiety
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved deep breathing
- Strengthening fine motor skills
- Pain management assistance
- Improved emotional and mental well-being
- Immunity boost
- Helps patients with physical therapy
What types of animals can be used in AAT?
Currently only dogs are used to provide animal-assisted therapy at St. Cloud Hospital.
What areas of the hospital do AAT dogs visit?
AAT dogs visit most areas of St. Cloud Hospital including Pediatrics, Oncology, Adult Intensive Care Unit , Family Birthing Unit, Behavioral Health Unit, Neurology/Spine Unit, Telemetry, Bone & Joint Unit and Medical/Surgical Unit.
AAT dogs also visit the Coborn Cancer Center, Pediatric Rehabilitation and Behavioral Health Clinic at CentraCare Health Plaza.
How do I request an AAT visit?
Patients at St. Cloud Hospital can request visits by AAT dogs through their nurse who will make a referral to the AAT therapy program. The time of the visit will depend on the volunteer team schedule.
Please note, the AAT Team is restricted from visiting patients who are in isolation precautions, infectious disease precautions, have open wounds or if visits are not recommended by the health care team.
What are the criteria to practice AAT at St. Cloud Hospital?
- Registration and evaluation with Pet Partners (national therapy animal organization).
- Note: Applicants are not required to take Therapy Dog classes unless required by Pet Partners. If you have questions, please call Volunteer Services 320-255-5638.
- Dog must be at least 1 year old and have a calm temperament, be obedient, gentle, and have a positive social manner and disposition that works well with patients of all ages.
- Dogs must be up to date on mandatory vaccinations.
- Handlers must complete CentraCare Health Volunteer Services onboarding.
- Previous experience in a health care setting is preferred.
What are the volunteering requirements?
Volunteers are an integral part of the health care team who share a common objective of providing Care Above All for our patients and their families. A commitment to a regular weekly volunteer schedule is recommended. For more information about becoming a volunteer, please contact Volunteer Services.
