OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois are pleased to offer animal assisted therapy to our patients because we believe in treating the emotional as well as the physical needs of our patients.

Animal Assisted Therapy uses highly trained animals and handlers to help patients achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, and emotional goals.

Specially trained therapy dogs and their owners will, on request, visit the hospital to bring comfort to patients, reduce stress, anxiety, pain, blood pressure, and increase patient social interaction and communication.

How It Works

A dog/handler team will visit the bedside of medically qualified patients. Watch this video to see how a therapy dog visit is conducted:

Interested in becoming part of our Animal-Assisted Therapy Program?

Basic Qualifying Requirements:

Your dog should consistently perform the following with one command (i.e. "sit" and the dog puts his rear on the ground).
- sit on command
- down on command
- stay and recall on command
Walk loosely on a leash without pulling, even when excited or in a new environment
Get along well with other dogs
Able to perform commands without treats
Dog handlers follow the same requirements as an Adult Volunteer. You will need to complete an online application, a background check, an online orientation/test, and submit immunization records (MMR, Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap, flu and fully vaccinated for COVID-19).
Must be currently certified by Alliance of Therapy Dogs, or Therapy Dogs International, or Pet Partners. Need information on how to obtain certification? Click on the name of the organization to go to their website for additional information.

Alliance of Therapy Dogs

Therapy Dogs International

Pet Partners

Other Requirements:

Your dog should like people
Not be overly vocal
Have no food or possession issues
Should not have separation anxiety issues
Your dog needs to be at least one year of age
Handlers must be 18 years or older
Dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations
Dogs must be free of all skin problems
Dogs must have year around flea, tick, and heartworm protection
Handlers must provide documentation of immunizations: MMR, Varicella (chicken pox), flu, Tdap and fully vaccinated for COVID-19

*Prong collars and gentle leaders are NOT acceptable.

How to Apply

If you and your dog would like to be considered for part of this exciting program at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Illinois, please complete the Animal-Assisted Therapy volunteer application by clicking the link below.

Apply Today

Please note: Current certification with one of the above listed agencies is required PRIOR to applying.

Contact Us

Please contact us with any questions at (309) 655-2118.

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center

Paws 4 Healing

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