Dog Visit Program

Nationwide Children's Hospital’s dog visit program is part of regularly scheduled activities for patients and their families.  Dogs and their owners are required to be certified through the Capital Area Humane Society’s (CAHS) Capital Canine Connection or hold certification through Therapy Dogs International (TDI).  

Once volunteers and their dogs are approved they schedule visits directly with Nationwide Children's Family and Volunteer Services Department.  Visits take place in public areas (not at patient bedside).  Most volunteers and dogs visit monthly.

Volunteers wishing to join the program should contact Family and Volunteer Services at 614-722-3635 or volunteering@nationwidechildrens.org to submit an application and verification of certification.  

Individuals without current TDI or CAHS certification need to contact one of these organizations directly to learn more about the requirements, testing process and schedule.