Ideas That Work: Pet Therapy Helps Your Providers De-Stress

Practical pearls from your colleagues

The benefits of pet therapy have been well-established, from stress reduction to reduced loneliness and enhanced social interactions. Hospitals often have programs to bring therapy animals to patients. Leaders at ChristianaCare in Newark, Del., realized their employees, to whom they refer as caregivers, could also benefit from all the perks of spending quality time with therapy dogs. “We’ve been partnering with PAWS for People, a local nonprofit organization committed to providing therapeutic visits to any person in the community who would benefit from interaction with a well-trained, loving pet, for many years now,” says Katie Godfrey, PhD, director of ChristianaCare’s Center for WorkLife Wellbeing. “We host PAWS to De-Stress events that draw in caregivers who come during breaks, over lunch, or before and after shifts to meet furry friends and their volunteer human companions,” she says.

Dr. Godfrey says the dogs bring so much joy, playfulness and love to brighten the day for all caregivers, from those with clinical roles to those who work in essential services and administration. “The mission of our Center for WorkLife Wellbeing is to foster work-life meaning, connection and joy. Giving caregivers a chance to spend time with therapy dogs is one wonderful way we achieve this mission,” says Dr. Godfrey. OSM