Therapy dogs to bring comfort and smiles to Horsham

Grampians Health wants to extend its successful new pet therapy program to its Horsham campus after a positive response from Ballarat and Stawell patients and nursing staff. 

Delivered through Grampians Health Volunteer Services, the program is supported by Ballarat-based organisation Paws On Wards with the aim of enhancing emotional well-being and comfort in a clinical setting. It is provided to the wards and care communities in Ballarat and Stawell, bringing the benefits of animal-assisted therapy to patients, residents, staff and visitors. 

Grampians Health Manager Volunteer Services in Ballarat and Stawell Leah Ferguson said the program currently operated at the Ballarat Base Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Centre and Stawell campus as well as their care communities. 

“The program has 10 dedicated volunteer handlers and their certified therapy dogs,” Ms Ferguson said. 

“Witnessing the pet therapy program in action is such a moving experience. The dogs bring a real sense of calm and positivity. They help reduce anxiety and provoke real moments of happiness, providing connection through compassion. 

“Therapy dogs offer comfort simply by being present. Their gentle nature and intuitive responses—like wagging tails and quiet companionship—can lift spirits and ease stress.” 

Ms Ferguson said Grampians Health was keen to extend the program to the Horsham campus and care communities on the back of its successful introduction. 

“We would love to see patients and residents in Horsham getting the same benefits from the program. For this to happen, we will need the support of local dog owners.” 

Director of Paws On Wards Kath Phillips wants to hear from dog owners in the Horsham region who think their pet might be ideal for the program. 

Ms Phillips said the dogs can come from a variety of breed but they must have the right temperament to be considered. 

“Each dog is temperament-assessed prior to joining and all volunteers are required to complete comprehensive onboarding and compliance training,” Ms Phillips said. 

The dogs and the handlers visit the wards and other units that have signed up to engage with the program. The proximity of dogs to the patients and residents is dependent on the comfort level, with some requesting them on beds while others might prefer to pet or cuddle them. 

The hour-long, weekly visits can be a helpful distraction to ease anxiety among patients and residents, particularly during medical procedures like a blood draw or a dressing change. 

Handlers are trained to monitor their dogs’ comfort levels, ensuring visits are always safe and positive for both patients, residents and pets. Visits are tailored to individual needs, with some patients and residents requesting a visit and others opting out based on their condition or preferences. 

“It is an absolute honour to be given the opportunity to visit Grampians Health and it is my hope that we can continue to bring joy to patients, residents, staff and visitors alike for many years to come," Ms Phillips said. 

Ms Phillips wants to hear from dog owners across the region who are interested in participating in the program. Those interested can reach out via admin@pawsonwards.inrange.net.au or phone 0412 377 368.