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What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Our Animal-Assisted Therapy Program provides visits to hospitalized patients in their rooms or in patient lounges by certified therapy dogs and their owners. Patients of all ages as well as their families and visitors enjoy the stimulation, comfort and fun of having a specially trained dog visit them in the hospital and benefit from the unqualified affection and attention these animals offer, especially to patients who are feeling lonely or depressed. Pet therapy visits can help the healing process by lowering blood pressure, lessening pain and stress, and reminding patients of their bond with the natural world.
Our Dogs
All therapy dogs that participate in the program at St. Vincent's Manhattan are tested and certified with either the Delta Society or Therapy Dogs International, two organizations with expertise in the field of animal-assisted therapy. In addition, all  dogs have passed the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test and are certified to be healthy, clean, groomed and current with all vaccinations. Except for hospital units where specifically prohibited, we continue to make visits by these wonderful animals available to all patients who wish to welcome them.
Our Program
St. Vincent's Manhattan was the first New York State Department of Health test site for animal-assisted therapy in acute care facilities. In 1998, St. Vincent's pioneering work resulted in the state's health code being changed to make such programs possible. St. Vincent's hosts certification classes 3-4 times a year. Our graduates work in hospitals and nursing homes all over the city.
How can I arrange to have a therapy dog visit me?
You, your physician, nurse or family member can call the Pet Therapy Program directly at 212-604-1099. We will let you know if there are any restrictions on animal-assisted therapy in your hospital room or unit.
St. Vincent's Pet Therapy Program is supported entirely through grants and donations from individuals and organizations, i ncluding Hartz Mountain, a private Foundation, and the Auxiliary of St. Vincent's Hospital Manhattan. If you would like to make a donation to the Pet Therapy Program, please call 212-604-1099 or email gattilio@svcmcny.org.
St. Vincent's Pet Therapy Program thanks you for your support. Sister Kevin Phillips' poem:
Therapy Dogs: "Mission in Fur"
Wagging tails
Loving eyes
Boundless energy
Healing presence
Indiscriminately bringing joy.
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