Butterfly Paws

Butterfly Paws Program has paused accepting new volunteers at this time. Please check back for updates.

Thank for your interest in volunteering at Nationwide Children’s hospital with your therapy dog. We are dedicated to bringing joy, comfort and support to our patients, families and staff. Our mission is to unleash the incredible bond between humans and dogs to facilitate healing, enhance emotional well-being and contribute to the achievement of positive outcomes through the power of well-trained therapy dogs and their Volunteer Handler.

We are committed to providing a safe day every day for everyone including our therapy dogs. Please review the requirements for our volunteer and therapy dog program, Butterfly Paws.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years or older and agree to a background check (every four years)
  • Provide verification of vaccinations including Varicella, MMR, Tdap and TB testing
  • Agree to annual flu vaccination
  • Complete yearly competency/educational trainings
  • For patient safety, no artificial nails (gel, LED, UV light cured is prohibited)
  • Provide two letters of recommendation
  • Minimum volunteer commitment of two hours a week

Therapy Dog Requirements:

  • Proof of Canine Good Citizen along with verified registration from Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Canine Companion Therapy Dog, Therapy Dog International or Canines for Service.
  • Dogs must demonstrate a calm presence without barking, lunging or reacting to other dogs.
  • Verified Vaccination Form (completed by your veterinarian)       
  • Dogs received DHPP and Rabies Vaccination every three years (State of Ohio)
  • Annually we require proof of the following vaccinations. We do not accept Titers.
    • Bordetella
    • Distemper
    • Hepatitis
    • Parvovirus
    • Leptospirosis
    • Canine Parainfluenza
    • Negative fecal study
    • Heartworm
    • Flea and Tick treatment

Next Steps:

  • As we em-BARK on this journey together, have your documentation for proof of CGC as well as TDI, CFS or ATD certification and a photo of your dog ready to upload before you start completing the application.
  • Upon submitting your application, you will be sent an email containing two links. One is a vaccination document for your dog and the other is a letter of recommendation.
    • The vaccination document for your dog must be completed by your veterinarian. You or your veterinarian can email or fax the form back to the Butterfly Paws program. 
    • The letter of recommendation link must be completed by two people of your choosing and upon completion will directly populate to Butterfly Paws program.  

Once the Butterfly Paws program has received the verification vaccination document, your letters of recommendation and therapy dog registration, you will be contacted for an in-person interview with you and your dog.