The Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dogs for Joy program is a grant program for hospitals aimed at increasing the number of dogs who work full-time in children’s hospitals to bring joy to kids battling illness.

In-residence dogs are highly trained service dogs that work in healthcare settings and perform specialized tasks. In children’s hospitals, they are full-time employees of the hospital who come to work every day like their human counterparts and can be a critical part of a child’s treatment team. In-residence dog handlers are typically child life specialists, chaplains, social workers or physicians.

No. In-residence dogs are highly specialized service dogs trained to work in a variety of healthcare settings and perform specific tasks – from playing with and comforting a child to actual medical interventions. Unlike volunteer dogs that visit a hospital or medical center for a short time, in-residence dogs are at the hospital every day with their handlers and have access to non-sterile clinics and inpatient units. In most cases they are used exclusively for clinical work.

In-residence dogs not only bring immeasurable joy to pediatric patients, they also perform clinical interventions like keeping a kids calm during medical interventions, teach pediatric patients how to take a pill, model how to put on a hospital gown or provide an incentive for a child to get out of bed for a walk.

At the Joy in Childhood Foundation, we’re committed to continually finding new approaches and innovative ways to bring joy to kids battling hunger or illness. Earlier this year the Foundation evaluated our current programming and conducted a needs assessment to ensure our giving was as impactful as possible. We talked to doctors, nurses, child life specialists and patients, and a few themes emerged – one of those was the incredible healing and joy-enhancing power of dogs in pediatric hospital settings.

Despite their tremendous potential, in-residence dog programs are relatively new. Out of more than 220 children’s hospitals in the United States, few  have in-residence dog programs. The Foundation’s goal is to fill this unmet need by dramatically increasing the number of in-residence dog programs in pediatric hospitals around the country and the prevalence of animal-assisted therapy as part of treatment.

To be eligible, applicants must be a children’s hospital or general hospital with a dedicated pediatric department and be within geographic proximity to Dunkin’ or Baskin-Robbins locations.

Cooper Dunkin’ is the Foundation’s Chief Joy Officer and the Dogs for Joy program ambassador. A Black lab/Golden retriever mix with a splash of golden doodle, Cooper is a trained service dog hailing from Canine Assistants in Milton, GA. In this dual role, Cooper will bring joy to kids through special appearances, including visits to children’s hospitals nationwide.

Yes, veterinary costs can be budgeted for in your grant application.

Funding will be awarded upon executed agreement. Depending on your organization’s request (new program or expansion) and the availability of facility dog(s) for placement, the program should be active in your hospital within 18 months of award.