Stony Brook Southampton Hospital has gone to the dogs again — and that's great news. The hospital announced Wednesday that following updates to Covid visitation policies, its pet therapy teams are back on the job.
"The pet therapy teams are back conducting hospital rounds to sniff out patients, visitors and staff who could benefit from a visit with a furry 'thera-PAW-ist,' " the hospital said in a release.
In an industry rife with medical specialists, the hospital further notes that "these DOGtors specialize in spreading big smiles."
The pet therapy teams are made up of dogs who, along with their human handlers, have been trained in pet therapy protocols, a process that takes more than just having a "good, friendly dog," said the program coordinator, Susan Appell.
There is a rigorous pet therapy certification process that includes reviews every 18 months to maintain said certification. A hospital-driven screening also takes place before the dog-human team gets its hospital ID badges and, perhaps, a treat.
To qualify, dogs must be at least 1 year old, fully vaccinated, and living with their human for at least six months. The handler is required to take an online exam followed by an in-person test "conducted by a designated pet therapy evaluator."
The test includes "staged interruptions" designed to see if the dog continues responding to its handler's commands "no matter how distracting the situation."
"The dogs must be well-trained, adaptable to new environments, and comfortable being touched by strangers," wrote Ms. Appell, who encourages anyone interested in the program to email her at [email protected].
