Alameda Health System (AHS), in partnership with Valley Humane Society, is bringing the healing power of four-legged friends to our three acute care hospitals with the rollout of the new Canine Visitation Program later this month. More than a year in the making, this initiative is designed to enhance the well-being of patients and staff alike.
“We’re thrilled to introduce pet therapy at AHS, because it offers meaningful benefits for both patients and staff,” said Jason Pokorny, manager of volunteer programs. “Research shows that canine visitation and pet-assisted therapy go beyond companionship to provide tangible health benefits. They can reduce stress and anxiety, promote healing, lower blood pressure and boost overall well-being.”
The pet therapy dogs are certified through Valley Humane Society’s nationally recognized program that has been offering their services to the East Bay for more than 20 years. Their certified therapy teams visit local hospitals, assisted living facilities as well as schools and libraries.
In addition to the training and certification process at Valley Human Society, the canine visitation team volunteers are vetted and approved by the AHS volunteer department under Pokorny’s direction.
The therapy dog visits will begin at Alameda Hospital in the last week of February, with plans to expand to San Leandro Hospital and the Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus in the weeks ahead. The long-term vision is to extend the Canine Visitation Program to more AHS facilities, ensuring greater access to its benefits.
Each facility visit, lasting approximately two hours, will include therapy dogs and their certified handlers making rounds in patient rooms, select non-patient care areas and nursing stations.
Partnering with Pokorny to implement pet-assisted therapy, Deborah Ellis, director of infection prevention and control shared that while the program aims to bring comfort and healing to patients, it also offers important benefits to employees.
“This initiative supports the health and well-being of our staff by helping to reduce workplace stress, improve morale and create a more positive work environment,” she said.
Pokorny and his team are currently developing the facility visitation calendar as well as a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that will soon be available on the volunteer department web page.
Until then, for more information about the Canine Visitation Program including how to qualify to be a certified volunteer, please reach out to Pokorny at JPokorny@alamedahealthsystem.org