Covenant Canine Comfort Care

Since 2018, our four-pawed volunteers in the Canine Comfort Care Program have enriched the lives of patients and employees throughout Covenant HealthCare. You’ll find our certified therapy dogs providing unconditional love and acceptance to each person they meet. These amazing dogs & their handlers are a welcome distraction and help reduce the stress and anxiety that can accompany hospital visits.

Dogs offer their amazing ability to capitalize on the human-animal bond and bring comfort to patients while they are in a hospital environment. Dogs are non-judgmental and offer unconditional love and acceptance to patients with no pressure on the patient to do or say anything.

Elisabeth Christe with Canines Jake and Mojo
Comfort Canines Jake and Mojo with Elisabeth from Transport

Patients who interact with dogs as therapy pets have been known to have positive emotional and physical changes during their hospital stay. If you would like to bring this kind of comfort to a patient at Covenant HealthCare and are a dog therapy handler team, read on to become a volunteer.

What Exactly Do the Dogs Do at Covenant HealthCare?

Certified therapy dogs accepted into our program offer interested patients, who are not immune suppressed, a dog visit or what is referred to as a “meet and greet.” The handler brings the dog into the patient’s room, right up to the bedside or chair where the patient can enjoy the opportunity to pet, love, hug or just look at one of our amazing volunteer dogs.

Requirements of Therapy Dog

  • Minimum age 1 year, both purebred and mixed breeds of all sizes accepted
  • Graduate of Certified Pet Therapy Agency or like organization
  • Proof of current vaccinations and examination by a veterinarian within the past three months for initial visit and annually thereafter
  • Pet must be clean and free from obvious infection and skin disruptions
  • People friendly, calm, confidant, well mannered, know basic obedience skills, and love attention and affection from strangers
  • Needs to be quiet and relaxed around crowds and comfortable around unusual surroundings and sounds
  • Walk loosely on a leash without pulling, even when excited
  • Able to perform required commands without treats

Requirements of Therapy Dog Handler

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Screened, interviewed and oriented/trained by Volunteer Services
  • Need to be comfortable talking with strangers, patients and hospital settings
  • Need to control their dog in the hospital setting and follow all protocols
  • Commit to routine volunteering weekly or biweekly, approximately a two-hour shift
  • Responsible for all costs associated with certifications and vaccinations
  • Annual evaluation and Employee Health Compliance

How Do I Apply for Covenant’s K-9 Therapy Dog Program?

  • Fill out an online volunteer application.
    Apply Now
  • Gather needed proof of Pet Therapy Certification and vaccinations including rabies
  • Upon receiving your application, Volunteer Services will contact you regarding next steps

If you have questions or want to learn more about this exciting opportunity contact Manager of Volunteer Services, Sarah Knochel at 989-583-6048 or sknochel@chs-mi.com