The Woody Pet Therapy Program at Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas has brought smiles and comfort to countless patients since it began in 1988. We are happy you are interested in this wonderful pet visitation program!
Here are the steps to become a Woody Pet Therapy team member:
1) Contact our Child Life Special Events Coordinator, Ashley Davis Gilbert at adglibert@seton.org. She will put you in touch with a Woody Team Leader who will evaluate your dog’s readiness for pet therapy and give you advice on training and testing.
We can only accept a limited number of dogs into our program. Before making application as a volunteer, ask if there are any current openings for pet therapy teams. Teams who have previous experience will have priority and we often have a waiting list.
2) Complete the Delta Society's Pet Partner certification with a Complex rating. Visit the Delta Society website for requirements. Please note that it is important that you and your dog are trained and ready for this evaluation.
To be a Woody Pet Therapy Team member, you must complete your Delta certification on a regular buckle or snap collar and leash. We do not allow dogs to visit on Gentle Leaders, a Halti or any other type of head training halter.
3) Complete Dell Children's Volunteer Training and Orientation.
Learn more about becoming a volunteer.
4) Complete the Woody Pet Therapy Program Specific Training & Orientation.
Once you are Complex certified by Delta and a DCMCCT Volunteer, we would like to help you and your pet become comfortable in our hospital. Our pet therapy training requirements were created to insure safety for children and all others as well as making sure that you and your dog are a good fit with all other team members.
a. A brief off-site evaluation with you and your dog will be required before being accepted into the program.
b. Complete two visits, without your dog, observing an established team member. The new volunteer will assist the Woody team member making “rounds” to gain valuable hospital experience without the responsibility of managing their own pet.
c. Complete a minimum of four visits with your dog shadowing with more than one established team member. The team members will observe and answer any questions you may have.
d. Existing team members will meet new team members outside of the hospital grounds prior to a visit. The purpose is to introduce the dogs in a neutral setting so they can get to know each other.
Membership Requirements
Woody Pet Therapy Program volunteers and their dogs currently visit hospital patients on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They are also invited to participate in various hospital special events.
Pet Therapy Teams are asked to volunteer a minimum of twice a month. Additional visits are great but not expected.
Members are also expected to participate in regular Team meetings.