Pet Therapy

Pet therapy can provide joy and comfort to people undergoing medical care, regardless of their age or condition. Northern Nevada Medical Center recognizes the powerful role pets can play in patient care and welcomes certified therapy dogs to volunteer at our hospital.

Simply petting or spending time with these friendly animals has been linked to a number of benefits including:

• Lowered blood pressure
• Decreased feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety
• A distraction from pain

Therapy dogs and their owners must undergo testing, training and certification by a Certified Therapy Dog Organization, such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. This certification allows Northern Nevada Medical Center to uphold our goal of patient safety and care by ensuring dogs are clean, vaccinated and screened before making a visit.