Facility Dog

Meet Our Facility Dog, Annika

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Annika is partnered with her handler, Laura, a certified child life specialist (CCLS). Annika and Laura are available by referral to help pediatric patients achieve their identified treatment goals.

Annika’s Credentials

Annika was bred, raised, trained, and provided by Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) to be a service/facility dog. Her training and recertification are ongoing and monitored by CCI. 

Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal assisted therapy can decrease stress in a hospital setting, ease fear, and motivate patients toward treatment goals. Annika can provide developmentally appropriate distraction, lower anxiety, increase coping and help patients experience acceptance and unconditional love.

Referrals

Annika is available to see pediatric patients who meet established criteria:

  • At least age 3
  • Not allergic to dogs
  • Free of isolation precautions
  • Working toward treatment goals
  • Difficulty coping with hospitalization
  • Being treated for a chronic or life-changing diagnosis
  • Length of stay at least 3 days and not discharging within the next 24 hours

Referrals for animal assisted therapy with Annika can be made by unit child life specialists, pediatric therapy team, and psychology.

All referrals will be reviewed and assessed for appropriateness by Facility Dog Handler Laura, CCLS.