Therapy dogs return to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Meet Allie. 

The furry volunteer is back making her rounds at the Santa Barbara cottage hospital. 

"They’re back now from COVID which we’re thrilled to say. We were out for I think about eighteen months," said volunteer Nadine Malancon of Cottage Hospital.

Allie, along with all the four legged volunteers are working as part of the hospital's pet therapy program.

"It’s incredible. The service these dogs do. I could write a book about the positive positive outcomes from any of their visits, whether the patients are ill dying just in for treatment between the patient’s the staff the loved ones," said Malancon.

The pet-assisted therapy allows volunteers to bring in their therapy dogs certified by Therapy Dogs International.

"Not just for the patients. But the presence with all of the staff members and visitors that enter the hospital. You really just see a difference when they’re around," said volunteer service manager Amanda Wright of Cottage Health.

The Hospital currently has 15 therapy dogs. And they’re hoping to increase that number. 

"So that we can have a more regular presence in all the hospitals as we’ve seen it makes such a large difference in everybody that comes through the hospital," said Wright.

If you’re headed to the hospital, be sure to say hi to one of the friendliest volunteers around.