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 uses trained therapy dogs to benefit patients at UCI Medical Center in several ways:

• Patients benefit from observing and interacting with pets.
• Pets can provide an affectionate touch, something that may be missing in a hospital.
• 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.

All dogs must be certified for pet therapy and be evaluated by our pet therapy coordinator, Pet Partners. Proof of certification and rabies vaccination is required. The following dog breeds are not allowed into the program (no exceptions): 

• Pit bulls
• Rottweilers
• Presa Canarios
• Akitas
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Chow Chows
• Doberman Pinschers

To learn more about the pet therapy program and the registration process, email the volunteer office or call 714-456-5541.