What We Do
Pets for Patients works to bring hope and healing to people by connecting them with a shelter pet.
Pets for Patients’ all-volunteer team accepts referrals from Cincinnati’s Children Hospital to connect with families of chronically-ill children who are in need of the hope and healing provided by a shelter animal, but don’t have the knowledge of the process, or time to find a companion. All patient-family-pet matches are long-term, forever placements.
One hundred percent of our funding is used to implement our services to patients and shelter pets.
Our Process
STEP 1
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital medical and social service teams refer patients to our organization.
STEP 2
We then spend time learning and understanding the wants, needs, and realities of every family to match them with the perfect shelter animal.
STEP 3
Once a family’s needs are understood, Pets for Patients locates a suitable shelter pet.
STEP 4
Pets for Patients manages the entire rescue process with the agencies, transports the pets to have them thoroughly screened for temperament and health issues, and places the pet with a veteran who then helps with the transition to a home life and basic obedience.
STEP 5
The shelter pet is placed with the family as their forever family pet. Additionally, we continue to work with families after the transition is complete to provide help with pet care, understanding basics in obedience training, and assistance as needed as the patient works through their illness.
Please Note: We specialize in family pets (cats and dogs) only. We do not offer therapy or service animals. We do not provide certifications such ESA, obedience or comfort certifications. Read our Frequently Asked Questions here.
Our success stories
With amazing support from our community, network and generous donors, Pets for Patients has currently placed more than 30 pets with families. The results and bond created have been nothing short of outstanding.
