Thank you for your interest in the canine assisted activity program at University Hospitals Case Medical Center known as "Pet Pals". The Pet Pals program at University Hospitals used trained volunteers and their adult certified therapy dogs to make short, in-room visits to consenting patients. Some dogs entertain the patients with tricks, whereas other dogs serve more as "teddy bears". Many sizes and breeds of dogs are considered for the program. There are two Pet Pals programs at UHCMC. One program is based in the hospitals treating adults (Learner Tower, Hanna House Skilled Nursing Facility, Hanna Pavilion, MacDonald Hospital for Women, Lakeside Hospital and the Ireland Cancer Center). The other program is in the children's hospital and areas of UHCMC treating children (Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital and the Ireland Cancer Center.

Becoming a Pet Pal

If you are interested in being considered for the Pet Pals Program, please review the information regarding the program and our screening requirements. Behavior screening sessions are generally scheduled on a semi-annual basis. If you wish to be considered for the next testing session, please call the Volunteer Service Department at (216) 844-1504. You will be notified by telephone and will be sent a written confirmation as to the time and place for the behavior testing of your dog. You will need to bring your dog's vaccination record, a copy of your therapy dog certification, and a note from your veterinarian attesting to your dog's suitability for therapy work. At the conclusion of the testing we will meet with you to provide you with the results of the screening.

Pet Pals is supported by the Auxiliary of University Hospitals, the Billie Howland Steffee Family Fund, the Higley fund & generous donations from the community.