Prescription Pet Program
at Children’s Hospital

The award-winning Prescription Pet Program (also known as RxPets) is a dog-assisted therapy and visitation program which began in 1984 as a cooperative effort of The Children’s Hospital and the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society (DAVMS). Specially-trained volunteer dog owners take their dogs on rounds at The Children’s Hospital.

In 1978, Fern Bechtel, director of Volunteers at The Children’s Hospital, saw the positive effects of pet visitation on her son as he recovered from extensive surgery. She determined that the kids at The Children’s Hospital would benefit from a similar program and began to work toward that goal. Bechtel teamed up with hospital staff and veterinarians to establish the first dog visitation protocols.

In 1984, the first dog visited the kids at The Children’s Hospital (one dog, 20 visits to the oncology unit) under close supervision of medical staff. The pet program grew steadily. In 1990, the program received the American Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence (HAVE). This was the first time an animal-assisted program received the award.

The Prescription Pet Program is such a popular program that there currently is a waiting list of pet volunteers for the program. But to learn more on how you can become involved in The Children’s Hospital Prescription Pet program or other volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Office at 720-777-6887.

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