Calvin Owens, a five-year-old patient at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, enjoyed a long-awaited outdoor visit despite being connected to medical equipment. He played with Hadley, one of the hospital’s facility dogs, a golden retriever-Labrador mix, on the hospital patio. Such moments are cherished, both by Calvin and his caregivers. Hadley’s handler, Schellie Scott, praised Calvin’s progress during the interaction.
Facility dogs like Hadley provide vital emotional support to patients. Unlike typical therapy dogs, these full-time working dogs are specially trained to assist children during challenging procedures and hospital stays. Their presence helps make the environment less intimidating.
Research underscores the positive impact of facility dogs on pediatric patients. Studies reveal that interactions with these dogs can enhance children’s wellness by reducing stress indicators such as cortisol levels and blood pressure. Kerri Rodriguez of the University of Arizona highlights the comfort and normalcy dogs bring to the sterile hospital setting.
Facility Dog Program Growth
Nationwide, facility dog programs are expanding in children’s hospitals. The Facility Dog Summit’s growing attendance illustrates this trend, with participation notably increasing from 2024 to 2025. While various hospitals use facility dogs, pediatric institutions are leading this expansion.
Organizations like Canine Assistants in Georgia have placed over 80 dogs in hospitals across the country, including partnerships with facilities like Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. In March, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center introduced its first facility dogs.
Managing Facility Dog Programs
Nonprofit organizations breed, train, and place facility dogs with hospital staff members, retaining ownership while ensuring they are cared for. Hospitals fundraise to cover expenses like food and veterinary care. Facility dogs’ benefits are well-documented. A study Rodriguez coauthored found that pediatric professionals value the rapport and normalcy these animals provide.
Facility dogs access areas off-limits to volunteer dogs, particularly sensitive hospital units. Measures like regular baths and sanitization ensure cleanliness, especially in areas where children have weakened immunity.
A Day in the Life of a Facility Dog
“Hadley loves life,” Schellie Scott, her handler, remarked, describing Hadley’s energetic nature and passion for her work.
Some mornings, Hadley enjoys downtime in play areas before seeing patients. Inside the hospital, dogs receive constant attention and play a visible role. They appear in television shows broadcast into patient rooms and receive fan mail from children.
Children visiting for long periods develop strong bonds with the dogs. Aspen Franklin, a 14-year-old with an immune disorder, finds comfort in Hadley’s companionship. Facility dogs also engage with patients during physical therapy sessions. Calvin Owens exemplified determination during his brief playtimes with Hadley, motivating him to stand unassisted.
At the end of the day, Hadley unwinds in her office, surrounded by drawings and notes from grateful patients. Her efforts illustrate the profound impact facility dogs like her have on the lives of children in hospitals.
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