The Role of Therapy Dogs in Reducing Depression, Anxiety, and Loneliness Among Hospitalized Children

Visits will occur on 3 consecutive days during your participant's inpatient hospital stay. A dog-handler team or a handler alone will visit participants with a dog for approximately 20 minutes at a convenient time for the participant. During this visit, the participant will be able to pet the dog if they wish. The handler will talk with the participants about the dog, the weather, sports, or other light topics. Participants can also suggest light topics to talk about as well.

Visits will occur on 3 consecutive days during your participant's inpatient hospital stay. A dog-handler team or a handler alone will visit participants without a dog for approximately 20 minutes at a convenient time for the participant. During this visit, the handler will talk with the participants about the weather, sports, or other light topics. Participants can also suggest light topics to talk about as well.