Children’s Wisconsin knows pets can comfort your child. If your child will be in the hospital for more than a month, they may be able to have their pet visit. Dogs, cats and rabbits are the only pets allowed to visit. Families with visiting pets must follow these steps.
What do we need to do at least 5 days before the visit?
- A veterinarian must complete the Pet Visit Health Certificate. Ask your nurse for this form.
- Your family must give the Pet Visit Health Certificate to the unit charge nurse or supervisor. It will be put in your child’s record.
- You and the supervisor will decide when the pet will visit your child. Every visit must be scheduled.
- The supervisor will tell the Welcome Center Ambassador when the pet visit is scheduled. They will have a carrier ready for you to use.
What do we need to do 24 hours before the visit?
- Your family must give the pet a bath.
What should we do the day of the visit?
- Do not give your pet food and water for two hours before the visit.
- Walk your pet just before the visit. Pick up animal poop and put in trash.
- Bring your pet to the main hospital lobby welcome center.
- The Welcome Center Ambassador will meet your family and the pet in the hospital lobby. They will have a Children’s Hospital carrier for your pet. You can use your own clean carrier if you prefer. All pets must be in a carrier to go to a child’s room.
- The Welcome Center Ambassador will go with you to take the pet up to your child’s room.
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Your pet may be taken out of the kennel and visit for up to two hours.
- Your child’s door must be closed.
- If your child is allowed to have your pet on the bed, ask for a towel, or sheet, or disposable cloth to put on the bed.
- Your child is the only patient that can visit with your pet.
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An adult in your family is responsible for the pet at all times. The adult must:
- Keep the pet from licking the child’s open sores, incisions or bandages. The pet should not lick any medical equipment, like tubing or machines.
- Use a standard leash. Do not use a retractable leash.
- Keep the pet under control to keep people and the pet safe.
What should we do when the visit is done?
- At the end of the visit, put your pet into the carrier.
- Ask the nurse to call the Welcome Center Ambassador to take you and your pet to the lobby.
- Do not leave your pet in the car before or after the visit.