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Pet Therapy at Duke

Pets bring joy, comfort, and connection to so many lives. For many people, they are more than animals—they are beloved family members who offer companionship, unconditional affection, and moments of laughter and reflection. Recognizing the remarkable healing presence animals provide, we created Pets at Duke, a pet therapy service within the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program, to share these same benefits with patients, families, and staff at Duke Cancer Centers.

Pets at Duke therapy dogs help reduce depression, isolation, and anxiety for patients and caregivers while also easing stress and burnout for staff. The comfort and sense of connection they provide play an important role in healing and rehabilitation.

Meet Our Therapy Dogs.

Where to Find Therapy Dogs at Duke

Pets at Duke therapy dogs visit patients and guests in the lobbies of the Duke Cancer Centers several times each month. These pre-scheduled visits are open to everyone who wants to enjoy the comfort and joy of our dog teams.

View the Pets at Duke schedule. Since our teams visit multiple locations, we encourage you to double-check the correct location when reviewing the schedule.

How to Get Involved with Pets at Duke

Getting started is easy. Email us at pets@duke.edu or complete a Pets at Duke volunteer application. Please note that some of our more popular locations may have a waitlist.

Volunteer Application

Frequently Asked Questions

A dog and its owner comprise a therapy dog team. Each has been evaluated and certified by an outside organization to provide animal-assisted activities.

The dog must:

  • Be at least one year old and under the care of a licensed veterinarian.
  • Be current on all vaccinations, including but not limited to distemper, parainfluenza, canine parvovirus, leptospirosis, Bordetella, and rabies.
  • Have a current heartworm and fecal tests repeated annually.
  • Have completed obedience or advanced training.
  • Bathe before pet therapy sessions.

Two volunteers make this program run smoothly.

The Pets at Duke Handler is an active volunteer who owns a therapy dog and is part of a certified therapy-dog team. The handler works with the dog to encourage interactions with patients, caregivers, and staff, helping bring comfort and support in a hospital setting.

The Pets at Duke Facilitator works alongside the handler and therapy dog to help with session setup and breakdown, facilitate therapy sessions, create a welcoming and supportive environment for participants, and ensure smooth and enjoyable experiences for everyone.

We Would Love Your Support

Pets at Duke is offered through the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program. This service is available at no charge thanks to the generosity of donors. 

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