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 Hospital 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 and 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

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 Doggie Brigade application.  Dog/handler teams are chosen based on program needs.  As volunteer opportunities become available, Volunteer Services staff will contact eligible teams to begin the screening process.

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