Dog Therapy

Sometimes, a friendly wag and a soft nuzzle can do wonders for healing. 

At Banner Health, we know that comfort comes in many forms - including a visit from a therapy dog. Our Dog Therapy Program brings trained, certified dogs into our hospitals to brighten spirits, ease stress and support recovery for patients of all ages. 

These furry volunteers help patients, families and even staff find moments of joy, calm and connection during their hospital stay - no medicine, no needles, just genuine TLC. 

The healing power of dogs 

Research shows that simply petting a dog can lower blood pressure, slow heart rate and release endorphins - the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones that help reduce pain and anxiety. 

Therapy dogs can help patients feel more relaxed and less afraid, angry or sad. They bring warmth and compassion to settings that can often feel intimidating or stressful. 

When a therapy dog enters the room, it can transform the atmosphere - bringing smiles, laughter and comfort to everyone present. 

Benefits of dog therapy 

Therapy dogs play an important role in helping patients heal emotionally and physically. Their presence can: 

• Encourage social interaction and conversation 
• Provide laughter, amusement and mental stimulation 
• Offer a break from the routine of hospital life 
• Help patients relax and forget about pain or worries 
• Reduce feelings of loneliness, sadness or depression 
• Bring excitement and positivity to the day 
• Remind patients that they are accepted and loved just as they are 

A few moments with a happy dog can lift moods, calm nerves and make the hospital experience a little brighter. 

How the Dog Therapy Program works 

Banner Health’s Dog Therapy Program is made possible through our dedicated volunteers and their certified therapy dogs. Each registered therapy dog visits hospital units on a regular schedule — often once a week for one to two hours - bringing joy to patients, visitors and staff alike. 

Visits are designed to be safe, supervised and comforting. Patients can pet, talk to or simply spend quiet time with the dog, depending on their comfort level and medical condition. 

Every visit is unique, but the result is the same - smiles, laughter and moments of peace that help make healing easier. 

Qualifications of therapy dogs and handlers 

Therapy dogs at Banner Health come in all shapes, sizes and breeds, but they share a few key traits: calm temperaments, good manners and a love of people. 

Before joining our program, each dog and its volunteer handler must meet specific requirements, including: 

• Therapy dogs must be at least 1 year old 
• Both dog and handler must complete extensive training and certification through a nationally recognized therapy dog organization 
• Dogs must demonstrate obedience and the ability to stay calm around hospital sounds, equipment and activity 
• Dogs must be well groomed, healthy and gentle with strangers 
• Dogs must interact appropriately with other animals and remain relaxed under supervision 

Handlers are trained volunteers who understand hospital safety, infection control and patient privacy to ensure every visit is safe, positive and professional. 

Bringing joy to the healing process 

At Banner Health, we believe emotional well-being is an important part of physical recovery. Our therapy dogs provide more than comfort - they help patients and families feel supported, seen and cared for. 

From wagging tails to happy smiles, these special visits remind us all that healing is about connection as much as medicine.