For children in the hospital, healing can come in many forms. Sometimes, it looks like medicine, physical therapy or another step in a care plan. Other times, it arrives on four paws.
At UTMB Health’s John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, the pet therapy program brings certified and trained animals to pediatric patients to help support them during their healing journey. In a medical environment that can feel unfamiliar or intimidating for children, therapy animals can offer comfort, reduce anxiety and help patients feel more engaged and encouraged throughout their care.
The impact can be seen in small but meaningful moments. Children may become more willing to participate in physical therapy, take their medicine or simply smile during a difficult hospital stay. One staff member described the animals as “a little happy light,” bringing joy into the room when children and families need it most.
In one especially memorable visit, a pediatric patient who had been critically ill and undergone multiple surgeries was well enough to receive pet therapy. The family had recently lost their beloved Labrador, and when Diva, one of the therapy dogs, jumped into the patient’s bed, the child lunged forward to pet her.
It was the most movement the team and family had seen from him.
His father lay on the floor with Diva and cried, overwhelmed by the moment and the hope it brought. For the care team, it was a powerful reminder that healing is not only clinical. Sometimes, connection, comfort and encouragement can help a child take a step forward.
The program also supports staff. Therapy animals often visit in the afternoon, after busy mornings of rounds, admissions and patient care. For nurses and care team members, a few quiet moments with the animals can help reset the day and bring calm back to the unit.
Today, UTMB’s pet therapy program includes three dogs, with hopes to grow the program so therapy animals can visit more often, potentially every day of the week.
For patients, families and staff, these visits bring more than a welcome distraction. They bring comfort, connection and a calming presence that supports healing and wellness across the pediatric unit.