The Impact of Therapy Dogs on Anxiety and Emotional Management in the Pediatric Emergency Department

A visit from a therapy dog and child life specialist will occur which will last for approximately 10 minutes. Parents and patients will be asked to sanitize their hand prior to the visit. The child life specialist will be instructed to have ad lib conversation with the family. The dog will remain on a leash during the visit. The patient will be free to pet the therapy dog if they wish.