Pet Therapy

Pet Therapy at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center - a "Pawsitive" Purpose!

UH Elyria Medical Center has officially gone to the dogs...therapy dogs, that is.

Patients of UH Elyria Medical Center are offered the opportunity to receive a visit from one of 7 dogs currently participating in our pet therapy program.  Canines big and small, such as “Cooper,” “Hope” and “Chilli” make regular visits to the hospital, spreading their tail-wagging happiness to pet-loving patients.  These sweet and gentle animals have gone through significant training and testing for certification and to gain entry into the program.

Each dog is accompanied by a certified handler (usually the dog’s owner) as well as an UH Elyria Medical Center volunteer liaison.  The liaison enters the patient’s room prior to the handler and the dog, to ask the patient if they would like to have a visit. 

If your dog is certified by Therapy Dogs International or Delta Society and you'd like to get involved in Pawsitive Purpose, please contact Lois Koehler at 440-329-7362.