The Wishlist Therapy Dog Program brings specially assessed dogs into hospitals across the Sunshine Coast to provide comfort, connection and moments of joy for patients, families and healthcare staff.
What Is the Wishlist Therapy Dog Program?
Therapy dogs involved in the program:
- Visit hospital wards and treatment areas across the Sunshine Coast
- Provide comfort, companionship and emotional support to patients
- Help reduce stress and anxiety during hospital stays
- Bring moments of joy and connection for families and visitors
- Offer a morale boost for healthcare staff working in demanding environments
- Work alongside their trained handlers as part of a volunteer therapy team
There is no “perfect breed” for therapy work. What matters most is a calm, friendly temperament and a strong bond between the dog and their handler. Dogs that enjoy human interaction and remain relaxed in new environments are often well suited to therapy dog work.
If your dog loves people and you would like to be involved in a meaningful community program, you may be able to apply to have your dog assessed to join the Wishlist Therapy Dog Program.
- If you believe your dog has the right temperament for therapy work, you can apply to have them professionally assessed for the Wishlist Therapy Dog Program.
- Our assessment process helps determine whether your dog is calm, confident and suitable for visiting hospital environments safely and positively.
- If your dog is successful, you may have the opportunity to become part of a therapy dog team bringing comfort, connection and smiles to patients across the Sunshine Coast.