1. You are responsible for your dog at all times. First, consider your dog’s needs and humane care. Always stay with your dog and in control of the situation.

2. Use your environment. Try to get the dog eye level with the patient. Small dogs can sit on the bed, chairs, sofas, or in laps. Many patients don’t realize that the dog is allowed on the bed. Tell them it’s all right with the hospital, as long as they don’t mind. Place the dog on the bedspread or blanket rather than on the sheets. Brush off any hair that might be on the bed after the visit.

3. Respect the importance of silence during your visit. Silence can be very valuable as times for reminiscing, thinking, and relaxing. Be sensitive to a person’s need to just ‘be’. Don’t feel like you have to constantly fill the conversation.

4. Be in touch with your dog’s dignity. A patient will, at times, identify with the dog’s lack of dignity and be offended. A costume on the dog that makes them look silly rather than cute can have an adverse affect. Don't overdo the costume and don’t make your dog do things he obviously doesn’t want to do.

5. Strive for quality of visits rather than quantity. It is not always possible or even necessary to see every patient. Always revisit patients from the week before first, if possible. (Keep name and room number on pad of paper.) Then visit new patients. Tell patients what day you will be returning.

6. Be prepared to spend time with particular people with whom you may connect. Pull up a chair and sit down. Visit with them. Let your dog lay at your feet or on the bed.

7. At times it is appropriate for your dog to interact with a patient in various ways. Have the patient brush your dog, feed him treats, command him to do tricks. If a therapist is available, ask if going for a walk (with the therapist) is a possibility.

8. Do NOT enter rooms with CONTACT PRECAUTIONS on the door.

9. Always be respectful of your dog. Don’t punish or speak gruffly to your dog. Patients and staff will not understand. Use a soft, loving tone with your dog at ALL times.

10. Take time to let the staff pet and visit with your dog. They need therapy, too!