Pet Partners® & Doggies on Call®

Pet therapy has been clinically demonstrated to improve patient morale and outcomes.  People become more active and responsive both during and after visiting with a pet therapy “therapist.”  Visits with one of our trained and certified pet therapy dogs can provide a welcomed change from routine and a welcomed distraction during cancer treatment, helping people feel less lonely and less depressed.  Our pet therapists can also offer entertainment, interaction or the renewal of old friendships.  Stroking a dog or cat has been shown to ease anxiety and even reduce a person’s blood pressure, and the act of petting promotes the use of  the hands and arms, as well as encourages stretching and turning.

Founded in 2005, the Vail Valley Medical Center pet therapy program has grown to over 25 teams; with therapy dogs of a variety of breeds.  All of our Vail Pet Partners® teams are specially trained and have been certified through the Delta Society, the national organization dedicated to improving human health and comfort through interaction with service and therapy animals.

Our new service through Vail Pet Partners® -  Doggies on Call® - offers visits from therapy dogs to patients receiving treatment at the Shaw Regional Cancer Center and to patients staying at Jack’s Place. 

• Shaw patients may request a visit from a therapy dog between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.  
• Patients staying at Jack’s Place may also arrange to take a dog for a walk or schedule a visit with a therapy dog between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM.  

For more information on Doggies on Call® Pet Therapy Program or to request a visit from a pet therapy dog, contact Vanessa Lewis at 970-569-7606.

Vail Pet Partners® at Vail Valley Medical Center

Every afternoon, Monday—Thursday, our furry Pet Partners® therapists visit patients at the Vail Valley Medical Center Patient Care Unit. For more information on Vail Pet Partners® contact Amanda Visosky, Volunteer Coordinator, at 970-479-5068.