Doggie Brigade
Since 1992, the Doggie Brigade™, sponsored by Milk Bone™, has brought joy, comfort and wagging tails to patients at Akron Children's. These four-legged volunteers tour the hallways, visit patients in their rooms and stop in the activity rooms to see children who would like a visit.
Patients often report that for the duration of their 5-10 minute visit, they forget about their illness or pain and feel like a kid.
Does your dog have what it takes to become a Doggie Brigade member?
Handler Requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Must commit to 26 hospital visits and 2 hospital-sponsored community events each year
- Complete the hospital volunteer process (interview, criminal background check, immunization review, tuberculosis screening, canine behavior evaluation, annual flu shot and training)
- Adhere to all requirements and guidelines of the Akron Children's Doggie Brigade program, including regular bathing/grooming of your dog
- Have the ability to work in a busy, complex hospital environment, be team-oriented, be familiar with dog body language and able to advocate for their dog's needs
- Registered with a hospital-approved therapy dog organization (see therapy dog links for more information)
Therapy Dog Organizations
- Pet Partners -- complex qualification required
- Therapy Dogs International
- The Bright & Beautiful
Dog Applicant Requirements
- At least one year of age or older
- In good physical health and up to date on required vaccinations
- Complete an annual fecal, heartworm and physical veterinary exam
- Enjoy and seek out interactions and
- interact politely with unfamiliar people
- reliably respond to basic cues (sit, down, come, stay, leave it)
- be comfortable in new environments
- be comfortable around other dogs
Sign Up
If your dog meets the above requirements and you are interested in joining the Doggie Brigade, review the Doggie Brigade Information slides and complete a volunteer application.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Volunteer Services at 330-543-8424 or volunteers@akronchildrens.org.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Volunteer Services at 330-543-8424 or volunteers@akronchildrens.org
