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Pet Therapy Program

The Pet Therapy Program at Garnet Health Medical Center was created to make a positive impact on the health and wellness of our patients on a daily basis.

In addition to their wagging tails, happy faces and warm noses, our therapy dogs contribute to the many benefits that pet therapy provides including:

  • Diminished pain
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Increased relaxation
  • Stress reduction
  • Increased socialization
  • Reminiscence
  • Encouragement for patients to communicate despite speech or hearing disabilities
  • Companionship
  • Mental stimulation
  • Mood improvement

The pet therapy program overall offers to patients a welcome distraction from illness and hospitalization and a reduction in boredom.

A visit by a therapy dog and their handler not only helps brighten the day for our patients but also brings joy to our staff and visitors. With the understanding that some patients have health restrictions that prevent them from being visited, the Pet Therapy Program works in collaboration with the hospital’s departments, excluding the Intensive Care Unit.

If you or your family would like more information on the Pet Therapy Program, please contact Volunteer Services, Maureen Roche, at 845-333-0213 or mroche1@garnethealth.org or Jen White, at 845-333-0218 or jwhite@garnethealth.org

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