The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA) has formalized a partnership with St. John Ambulance (SJA) to provide a Therapy Dog program at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre. The program is currently concentrated in Selkirk; the RHA has signaled an intent to expand visits to other IERHA facilities as demand for animal-assisted support grows, and as of late 2024/early 2025 has been working to recruit new volunteers.
Volunteers begin by registering with St. John Ambulance’s Therapy Dog program. Dogs must be at least one year old (two years preferred for many breeds), healthy, well-groomed, and calm around medical equipment. Handlers must be 18 or older (youth aged 16–18 may participate under adult supervision). Teams undergo a simulated ‘mock visit’ evaluation to ensure dogs remain relaxed around wheelchairs, IV poles and typical hospital noises.
Research cited by the RHA and animal-assisted therapy organizations indicates therapy dogs can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, and ease feelings of loneliness for long-term patients. Staff and family members also report that dogs act as ‘social icebreakers,’ helping patients open up and improving communication with nurses and doctors.
Once certified by St. John Ambulance, volunteers apply to IERHA Volunteer Services. The placement process includes a criminal-record check and a hospital orientation; St. John Ambulance also asks volunteers to commit to regular (typically weekly) visits and conducts an evaluation of dog-and-handler abilities. Approved teams then follow scheduled visits to wards and waiting areas and offer supervised petting and interaction to patients, families and staff.
Selkirk residents interested in volunteering or picking up an information package can visit the Information/Reception Desk at Selkirk Regional Health Centre, 120 Easton Drive, Selkirk, MB R1A 0W6. Inquiries may also be routed through IERHA Volunteer Services via the IERHA Corporate Office at 233A Main Street, Selkirk.
