Caring Canines

Caring Canines is an animal-assisted activities program launched in September 2011 at Mayo Clinic's campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. Registered therapy dogs and their handlers make "meet and greet" visits to hospital and clinic waiting areas, providing comfort and companionship to patients and staff.

Therapy dogs registered with the following organizations are eligible to volunteer at Mayo Clinic:

  • Pet Partners
  • Therapy Dogs International (TDI)
  • Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD)

Eligibility requirements

To participate in the Caring Canines program, both handlers and their dogs must meet the following criteria:

  • Occupational Health screening. If offered a volunteer position, you will be required to complete an Occupational Health visit (covered by Mayo Clinic) to verify that you are negative for tuberculosis and have been vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and chickenpox (varicella).
  • Handler age. Handlers must be at least 21 years old.
  • Clearance card. Handlers must have a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Volunteer experience. Handlers and their dogs must have at least six months of experience volunteering in a healthcare setting.
  • Dog vaccination. Dogs must be up to date on the following vaccinations:
    • Rabies.
    • Bordetella, which prevents kennel cough.
    • Distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus.
    • A recent fecal exam showing no parasite ova.

Application Process

To apply for the Caring Canines program:

  1. Complete and submit the online application, selecting "Pet Therapy" in the service area preferences section.
  2. After submitting your application, certifications and vaccination records, Mayo Clinic Volunteer Services will contact you to schedule an interview for both you and your dog.

You must submit ALL of the documents listed below before your application will be reviewed for an interview. You will receive further information upon receipt of your application, as well as an animal health record form to be completed.

  • Certification documentation from one of the three accepted organizations (listed above).
  • Animal vaccination records (listed above).
  • Arizona Department of Public Security Fingerprint Clearance Card.

For more information, contact Mayo Clinic Volunteer Services.