Good pets making a difference by volunteering at Alberta Health Services sites [Video]

One year ago, Alberta Health Services changed its policy on pets at its facilities, opening the doors for more cute and cuddly animals to bring smiles to the faces of patients receiving care.

The four-legged friends have been making such a big difference, hospitals are now looking for more.

The pet visitation program invites owners of good pets to volunteer with their furry companions.

“It allows people who have well-behaved and enthusiastic pets to come in and bring their pets to the hospital to visit patients and staff,” explained Courtenay Mayowski, the volunteer resources manager at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton.

“The pets don’t need to be certified therapy pets, they just need to pass a screen from a vet to make sure they’ve got all their vaccinations and that their owners go through a volunteer onboarding process with AHS. Then they’re ready to go.”

Cindy and Patrick Wilson bring their five-year-old …