Pet Therapy at Sherman
Since July 2006, a Sherman Auxiliary volunteer project has used certified therapy dogs to brighten the day of patients in adult and pediatric medicine, telemetry, and orthopedics and neurology. Our nurses screen patients first before placing a purple paw on doors to indicate where a visit from one of our therapy dogs is welcome.
Not just any hound will do: Sherman Hospital is dedicated to ensuring each and every therapy dog and handler meets stringent temperament and health standards.
All Sherman pet therapy teams are required to obtain certification through Therapy Dogs Incorporated, an independent agency that tests and registers dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and other institutions. In addition to certification, Sherman Hospital works with dog training experts from Care Dog Training, Inc. of Carpentersville, to conduct our own hospital-based temperament screening that exposed the dogs and handler to medical practice situations they may encounter.
Once temperament testing is completed, we require every dog undergo medical exams, testing and vaccination controls. To give our therapy pets the best available health care, Dundee Animal Hospital, with offices in Dundee, Elgin and Algonquin, generously provides the required veterinary services for the therapy dog team at no charge to the handler, an estimated total of $535 a year per dog.
To learn how to become a member of our pet therapy team, please download the information sheet by clicking on the link below.
For more information, please contact Teresa Joerger, at 847-429-8781 or Sharon Gilbert, at 847-429-8720.
Facts About The Program:
- Sherman currently has 12 dogs and 12 handlers in the program.
- Our pet handlers and therapy dogs make 360 patient visits a month.
Meet The Dogs:
- Our therapy dogs are waiting to meet you. See their pictures and profiles now!
