Beyond Therapy: How Patients Helped Enhance a Beloved Pet Therapy Program

At CAMH, one of the largest mental health hospitals in North America, pet therapy has long been one of the most beloved programs on the inpatient units. But until recently, the people who benefit most from these animal visits—patients—had little say in how the program was delivered.

That’s where our team stepped in.

In a recent study published this Spring, we invited patients to help reimagine animal-assisted activities (AAA) as more than just moments of comfort. Through focus groups across seven inpatient units, we spoke with 38 individuals recovering from complex mental health and substance use disorders. What they told us was both deeply moving and surprisingly practical.

Participants described pet therapy as a rare opportunity to feel like a person, not a patient. The presence of therapy dogs sparked social interactions, triggered positive memories, and even prompted reflections on nature and caregiving. One participant put it best: “He’s opening everybody’s heart up.”

They also offered concrete suggestions: more regular visits, chances for one-on-one time, better signage, and even dog treats so they could build relationships with specific therapy dogs. They didn't want more structure—they wanted more connection.

Based on this feedback, we piloted several changes, including co-designed dog “profiles” (think Tinder for therapy dogs!) and pet therapy “toolkits” for each unit that include brushes, treats, and dog etiquette guides.

In short: when patients were treated as collaborators, not just recipients, they emphasized the importance of reshaping the program into something more humane, relational, and restorative—for humans and animals alike.

Want to learn more?
Check out the full open-access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101598

Acknowledgements:
With heartfelt thanks to the therapy dogs, their volunteer handlers, and all the CAMH inpatients who generously shared their stories and ideas.

— Dr. Laura Sikstrom

“Cherry” — Piloting our Tinder Dog Profiles