Pet Therapy Program

Studies show that the presence of pets has a positive effect on the physical and mental
health of children and adults. The UCI Health Pet Therapy Program has trained volunteer
therapy dogs and handlers to help benefit patients at UCI Health Medical Center in several
ways:

• Patients benefit from observing and interacting with pets.

• Pets can reduce a patient’s feelings of loneliness and decrease levels of stress and anxiety.

• Pets can improve their vital signs and reduce the need for medication.

Steps in becoming a member of the UCI Health Pet Therapy Program

• Handler and animal must first be registered with Pet Partners Organization and be able to
• pass the Pet Partners online handler course and in-person evaluation with their dog.
  Please visit the Pet Partners website for more information.
  
  
• Apply to the UCI Health Pet Therapy Program
• Complete a phone interview with Volunteer Coordinator
• All therapy teams must be evaluated by our pet therapy coordinator during the
  orientation process and initial hospital tour
• Provide required veterinarian documentation for your dog as well as completion of
  volunteer application packet and pass a background check. (Proof of certification and
  rabies vaccination are required)
• Complete four required introduction volunteer shifts with the Volunteer Coordinator
  during the first two months of volunteering
  • Completion of all required steps does not assure your acceptance into the UCI
    Health Pet Therapy Program
• Be able to follow UCI Health policies and procedures, guidelines pertaining to HIPPA
  and commit to 100 volunteer service hours
• Follow Volunteer Services pet therapy uniform policy, $40 uniform processing fee.
• Make sure to have total control of your pet and follow all UCI Health and Pet Partners
  policy and procedures when visiting the medical campus and when attending
  community events.
• Dogs not allowed into the Pet Therapy Program: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios,
  Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Staffordshire Terroirs,
  German Shepherds, Wolf-hybrids, Mastiffs and Cane Corsos

To learn more about the pet therapy program and the registration process, email the
volunteer office at UCIMCVolunteer@hs.uci.edu or call 714-456-5541