HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital Introduces Pet Therapy Program

HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital has launched its first pet therapy program, in partnership with the nonprofit Dog Harmony. 

Patients and staff got a special visit Wednesday from 6-year-old Goldendoodle Maya to wrap up National Hospital Week and National Nurses Week. Maya stopped by each department – including the laboratory, respiratory therapy, surgical services, the emergency room and intensive care unit – giving kisses and lifting spirits.

“We’ve been hoping to bring pet therapy to HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital,” said CEO Todd Jackson. “Watching our colleagues’ faces light up when they saw Maya was the perfect way to end the week, and we’re thrilled to launch this program – both for them and our patients.”

Maya is one of three certified service dogs who will visit the hospital weekly to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.