Our Caring Canines are part of Mayo Clinic's commitment to healing of mind, body and spirit. The highly trained pets soften the impact of being a patient in a medical center by providing an opportunity to receive warmth and unconditional love from an animal.

Established in 2004, Mayo Clinic's Caring Canines in Rochester, Minnesota, is an animal-assisted support program. Teams of registered therapy-animal handlers provide friendly visits to hospital patients, visitors and staff.

Service opportunities are available at Mayo Clinic in adult and pediatric settings, both outpatient and inpatient.

Requirements

Caring Canines requirements include:

• A minimum of one visit per month.
• Shifts are a maximum of two hours. Shift length varies depending on the needs of the dog. Flexible scheduling options are available.
• Registration with Pet Partners or Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
• Handlers must be age 18 or older and their canine partners must be age 1 or older.
• Dogs should be comfortable in new environments, seek out and enjoy interacting with strangers, and demonstrate polite manners while doing so.
• Dogs must receive a veterinary physical once per year and be up to date on mandatory vaccinations.
• Rabies.
• Bordetella (kennel cough).
• Distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus.
• Most recent fecal exam showing negative for parasite ova.
• Completion of the Mayo Clinic volunteer screening, onboarding and training process, including an occupational health screening, national and state background checks.

Application process

Online application: Complete the online application, selecting "Therapy Animal Registered Team" in the service area preferences section.

Note: Applications are considered for acceptance year-round. Ensure that you have successfully completed your therapy dog organization registration prior to submitting your application. Incomplete applications will be placed on hold.

For more information, contact email: MCVPAnimalActivities@mayo.edu or call 507-538-1407.

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