Canines For Kids

All dogs are special, but at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we have a furry fleet of specially trained pups that truly go above and beyond to be a friend—and more—to those in need. They inspire confidence and instill strength. They provide comfort and companionship, and they bring out joy even in challenging situations. The first program of its kind in the country, Canines For Kids has grown into a thriving program since welcoming Casper, our first facility dog, to our staff in 2009.

Canines For Kids is a goal-directed program that helps patients cope, heal and achieve treatment goals while at the hospital. Our dogs and trained handlers work as a team to provide comfort, support and distraction for our young patients during procedures and hospitalization.

Our facility dogs work with our healthcare providers to:

• Decrease anxiety and stress associated with the hospital environment and to increase normalization of the surroundings.
• Support the overall social, physical and emotional development and treatment of the patient.
• Provide distraction and support during procedures, tests and the general experience of hospitalization.
• Motivate and encourage patients to reach treatment goals, such as learning to walk or taking medication.
• Reduce feelings of loss and loneliness associated with being separated from home, family and pets.
• Offer the patient unconditional love and acceptance through physical contact and soft touch.
• Provide comfort following traumatic events.