Animal-Assisted Therapy: Paws 4 Healing
At OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center and OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria, our Paws 4 Healing program brings comfort, connection and joy to patients while supporting emotional and physical well-being.
Specially trained therapy dogs and their handlers visit patients throughout the hospital during visiting hours, offering companionship, reassurance, and a welcome distraction during care.
Animal-assisted therapy helps ease stress, anxiety and pain, may lower blood pressure, and encourages communication, connection and healing for patients of all ages.
Requirements for Animal-Assisted Therapy Volunteer
If you’re interested in becoming an animal-assisted therapy volunteer in Peoria, please review the requirements below.
- Must be currently certified by one of the following organizations prior to applying:
Visit each organization’s website to learn how to become certified.
- Handlers must be 18 years or older
- Dog handlers must complete all adult volunteer requirements. This includes an application, background check, orientation and immunization documentation.
- Dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations.
- Dogs must maintain year-round flea, tick and heartworm protection.
- Handlers must provide proof of Tdap vaccination received within the last 10 years and the flu shot during flu season. If there is no documentation, OSF will provide these vaccinations. OSF will also provide TB testing and lab titers for MMR, varicella and hepatitis B.
How an Animal Therapy Volunteer Visit Works
Join Our Animal-Assisted Therapy Volunteers
Make a difference as a hospital volunteer in Peoria by sharing comfort and connection through animal therapy. Have questions before applying? Call (309) 655-2118.
Donate Now
Support programs like Paws 4 Healing and help bring comfort to patients across OSF HealthCare in Peoria and beyond. Your gift helps expand access to meaningful experiences like animal therapy for those who need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What canine breeds are allowed for animal-assisted therapy?
There are no breed restrictions for animal-assisted therapy dogs. Dogs must be calm, well-behaved and comfortable interacting with patients and care teams.
Does my dog need to be a certain age to volunteer?
Dogs must be at least 1 year old to obtain certification. Handlers must be 18 or older.
What is the time commitment expectation?
Volunteers typically complete two visits per month, scheduled at their convenience.