BC Children’s Hospital Foundation on Wednesday announced that in partnership with PetSmart Charities of Canada they have launched a Pet Therapy Program specifically designed to assist BC Children’s Hospital staff cope with stress, anxiety, and work-related health issues.

As the pandemic continues to challenge healthcare workers, the Pet Therapy Program will help to promote the physical and mental healing power of therapy animals for BC Children’s Hospital staff.

“It is wonderful to see the Pet Therapy Program dogs visiting the hospital and putting smiles on the faces of the healthcare staff,” said Malcolm Berry, President and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The past two and half years have provided challenges for everyone, and the staff at BC Children’s Hospital, are no exception.”

He added: “As the pandemic landscape continues to evolve, our healthcare workers have pivoted and adapted accordingly to ensure that B.C.’s sickest and most seriously injured children continue to receive excellent care. When our dedicated hospital staff are taking their breaks during their shifts, the therapy dogs provide a healthy and peaceful healing environment, and a much-needed distraction for care workers during their busy day.”

All volunteers and pets in BC Children’s Hospital’s Pet Therapy Program are evaluated and certified by St. John’s Ambulance and BC Pets and Friends. The hospital’s pet therapy program offers monthly staff wellness group events and supports resiliency rounds for nurses on inpatient floors. Each visit allows opportunities for staff to pet the dogs and take a mental break from the busyness of their day.

“When the Pet Therapy dogs greet me during my workday, I immediately feel my shoulders relax and I can’t help but smile,” said Kelsey McCormick, Clinical Resource Nurse at BC Children’s Hospital.

“After visiting with the therapy dogs, I feel calmer and more equipped to deal with the tasks at hand. I become more patient, my thinking becomes clearer, and I feel like I am a better communicator.”

“It is so wonderful to see the benefits that the therapy dogs provide BC Children’s Hospital healthcare workers,” said Lisa Knight, Child Life Specialist and one of the Pet Therapy program coordinators. “This is a specialized program specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of B.C.’s top healthcare staff and assist in alleviating some of the stress and anxiety that they experience on a regular basis. Pet therapy can also improve energy levels, self-esteem, and verbal communication skills.”