05/21/2026
Wagging the dog – in a good way!
Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital recently launched its first hospital-based pet therapy program in Brevard County. Led by Orlando Health’s Wellness Team, it supports the emotional well-being of patients, visitors, and healthcare workers.
The program for this area started at Orlando Health’s Sebastian River Hospital last year and earlier this month – coinciding with May as Mental Health Awareness Month – it expanded to its Melbourne Hospital.
Studies show that interaction with certified therapy dogs can reduce patient anxiety by up to 35%, making pet therapy a powerful tool in lowering stress inside high-pressure healthcare environments. This new program will bring trained therapy dogs into the hospital to provide comfort, connection, and moments of calm when they’re needed most.
The program introduces trained, certified therapy dogs into clinical spaces to ease anxiety and promote emotional well‑being in one of life’s most vulnerable moments.
“Healing isn’t just physical - it’s emotional,” said Alejandra Velasquez‑Perez, Orlando Health Pet Therapy Program East Region coordinator. “We consistently see how quickly a simple pet interaction can shift someone’s experience. When a therapy dog enters a room, patients relax, staff pause for a moment and blood pressure lowers. Those small moments of comfort and connection can mean everything during an overwhelming time.”
Orlando Health’s pet therapy program began in 1991 and has grown systemwide to include 86 active therapy teams. The expansion to the East Region six months ago extends that legacy, with three dogs now serving the area — Chloe, Kevin the Great Pyrenees and Dolly the Golden Retriever.
Orlando Health encourages community members interested in becoming pet therapy volunteers to visit the organization’s Pet Therapy Program webpage to learn about eligibility requirements and certification steps to volunteer or to donate.
