Facility Dogs Enhance Pediatric Care at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital provides children with moments of joy and comfort through the support of facility dogs. One such instance involved 5-year-old Calvin Owens, who met his canine friend Hadley on a hospital patio. Despite being connected to medical equipment, Calvin stood to toss a ball to her, prompting cheers from caregivers. Hadley’s handler, Schellie Scott, praised Calvin for his progress.

These dogs differ from regular therapy dogs brought in by volunteers. They are specially trained, full-time working animals that help ease young patients’ emotional stress during tough procedures, encouraging activity and reducing hospital fearfulness. Research supports their positive impact, showing improvements in children’s well-being, reductions in pain, and stress indicators such as cortisol levels and blood pressure.

How Facility Dog Programs Operate

Facility dogs have gained popularity in children’s hospitals nationwide. The Facility Dog Summit demonstrates this growth, with attendance nearly doubling from 2024 to 2025. Nonprofits like Canine Assistants in Georgia play a key role, supplying over 80 dogs to hospitals through initiatives aimed at children’s health facilities.

These facilities acquire dogs through organizations like Canine Companions, which breeds, raises, and trains the animals before placing them with hospital staff. Although hospitals don’t pay for the dogs, they cover expenses such as food and veterinary care, often funded via fundraising or grants.

Facility dogs work in more sensitive areas than volunteer dogs and often specialize in specific hospital units. Cleanliness is crucial, and dogs like Hadley in Cincinnati receive regular baths and sanitization. When exposure to germs poses a risk, exceptions are made for patients in isolation or under extraordinary circumstances.

The Daily Life of Facility Dogs

Hadley’s day begins with her handler Scott, a child life assistant. They greet patients daily, though Hadley enjoys breaks in a designated play area. Her celebrity status within the hospital is evident in appearances on closed-circuit television, holiday-themed photos, and trading cards.

Handlers report that facility dogs provide comfort not just to patients, but also to their families. Aspen Franklin, a 14-year-old with a life-threatening immune disorder, finds solace in Hadley’s presence, which also extends to Aspen’s family during challenging times.

These dogs play an integral role in patient healing. Hadley’s interactions with young patients, like Calvin, show their effectiveness in motivating children to stand, move, and engage during recovery. Facility dogs ultimately serve to lighten the burdens of hospital stays and bring warmth and companionship to both children and caregivers.