CHOC’s resident dog program provides invaluable services to patients and their families but is not revenue producing or reimbursable through insurance. The critical benefits of this program are dependent upon philanthropy and supporters like you to help us encourage patients and their families to stay positive during the healing process. Unlike our beloved volunteer pet therapy dogs brought to the hospital by volunteers, Resident Dogs are highly specialized facility dogs specifically trained to be a vital part of therapeutic treatment. Lois and Wise work together with their child life specialist handlers at our Orange campus to help children meet their individualized, clinical goals. Haines and her handler are solely dedicated to our CHOC at Mission campus in Mission Viejo, CA. 

The Resident Dog Program at CHOC is supported solely through philanthropy. Founding support for the program was provided by Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dogs for Joy program, with additional support from PetSmart Charities and Pastime with Purpose. CHOC also is grateful to its training partner, Canine Companions for Independence.

Your generosity can help sustain this special program and the dogs who contribute distinctively and therapeutically to aid in a patient’s journey to wellness and in staff well-being. Annual care and upkeep for one resident dog includes veterinary care and grooming, pet care supplies, dog food, salary for 24/7 staff dog handler and continuing education. 

Your donation could purchase necessary items like:

• Doggie Toothbrush- $1
• Kong Brand Dog Toys - $10
• Doggie Grooming Wipes - $20
• Sponsor a Dog's Food for 1 Year - $500
• Sponsor a Dog's Grooming for 1 Year - $5,000

To learn more about the program, visit foundation.choc.org/stories/four-feet-of-caring

To learn more about Haines' work at our Mission Viejo campus, visit Rady Children’s Hospital pup is just what the doctor ordered – Orange County Register