Spring Into Action 

a fund-raising event to benefit
Hartford Hospital's
Pet Therapy Program

THANK YOU to all those who supported the Young Leaders Advisory Council's 8th Annual Spring Into Action fundraising event on June 4. Because of the generous support of our donors and sponsors, Spring Into Action raised more than $20,000 for Hartford Hospital's Pet Therapy Program! Funds raised through the event will help the program expand the number of Pet Therapy teams available to fulfill requests for visits. The Pet Therapy Program helps to reduce the stress of hospitalization by making canine volunteers available for patient visits.

About Hartford Hospital's Pet Therapy Program
The Pet Therapy Program helps to reduce the stress of hospitalization by making canine volunteers available for patient visits. Volunteers bring their pet therapy certified dogs in for visits at least once a month. They may interact with patients, visitors, and staff on patient units, in the lobby, or in the hospital's cancer centers. Therapy dogs escort patients to cancer treatments, accompany patients during mental health sessions, attend relaxation luncheons for doctors in residency, and participate in the nurse residency program curriculum.

Prior to becoming a Hartford Hospital pet therapy team, each owner completes volunteer on-boarding requirements, and each dog fulfills canine requirements, including extensive veterinarian medical and behavioral protocols. 

Demands for therapy dogs have grown tremendously. The program currently has 23 volunteer teams. In 2018, pet therapy teams contributed 2,100 hours of service to patients and staff.

Funds raised through Spring Into Action will help the program expand the number of pet therapy teams available to fulfill requests for visits.