Pet Therapy

We understand that true healing encompasses much more than just physical rehabilitation – it includes the health of the body, mind and spirit. That's why we're committed to the healing of the whole patient.

At Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health and the OU Health pediatric clinics as well as at OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center, it isn't unusual to see a friendly therapy dog (or even a horse.)

Some of the same benefits that stem from exercise – reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and increased endorphins – are also true of pet therapy. Pet therapy is a connection, ideally one that forms between animals and young patients who may be dealing with serious medical conditions. These animals can ​patients recovering from medical conditions, coping with pain and dealing with the emotional toll of anxiety, sadness, loneliness and fear that often accompany lengthy stays in a hospital. At its most basic level, pet therapy provides a dose of unconditional love that helps improve quality of life.