Volunteer pet therapy program

Volunteer pet therapy program history

Our volunteer Pet Therapy program began in 1999 with our founding Pet Therapy group, Paws Across Texas. In 2015, we expanded our partner organizations to include Pet Partners – one of the nation’s largest pet-handling organizations. In 2022, we welcomed Mini Hooves of Love, a miniature therapy horse group certified by Pet Partners, to our volunteer Pet Therapy program. Volunteer teams provide the benefits of Pet Therapy to patients at our Dallas and Plano Campuses throughout their hospital stays.

New pet therapy teams

Before an animal and their handler can volunteer with Children’s Health℠, they must complete the certification process with either Paws Across Texas or Pet Partners. Once the pet is certified, their handler can begin the process of becoming an adult volunteer. Click here for more information on becoming an adult volunteer.