Animal-assisted therapy is clinically proven to help ease children’s anxieties and nurture their healing when they are in the hospital.
Rush University Children’s Hospital has a number of options for animal-assisted therapy for our patients:
- Therapy dogs
- Miniature horses
Please note that these animals visit the hospital periodically, and are not always available or present during admission. Please ask your Child Life Specialist for more information.
Your family dog may also be allowed to visit your child during your time at Rush. Talk to your child’s care team to find out if your pet is eligible.
The healing power of animals
- Some of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy for kids can include the following:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps ease anxieties
- Lessens pain
- Lifts spirits
- Decreases feelings of isolation
- Provides comfort
For more information about animal-assisted therapy at Rush University Children’s Hospital, contact Child Life Services, at (312) 942-7842.