Spending time with animals is good for our mental health and happiness.
There are three kinds of animal visits at our hospitals and clinics:
- Service dog - a trained and certified dog that helps its owner with tasks such as mobility (movement), sound alerts, seizure alerts. Guide dogs for people who are blind are an example of a service dog.
- Therapy dog - a trained dog that visits hospitals, schools, and other places with its owner, as part of a special program
- Personal pet - an animal kept for pleasure and company
Service dogs
Certified service dogs with their owners may enter all areas of the hospital that are open to the public. • Service dogs are identified by a collar or harness that says “Service Dog.”
In Nova Scotia, service dog ID cards give service dogs the right to access public areas. Owners may be asked for the ID card when in the hospital. In Nova Scotia, service dog ID cards are free.
For more information, please see the Nova Scotia Service Dog Act online: https://novascotia.ca/servicedogs.
The Nova Scotia Service Dog Act requires service dogs to be trained by a school such as Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation. If the dog has been trained by their owner or another group, it must pass St. John Ambulance’s Service Dog evaluation.
If you are coming to the hospital for a test such as an X-ray or radiation therapy, your service dog might not be able to come into the testing room with you. This is for the dog’s safety.
If you are admitted to hospital, be sure to make plans to have a family member or friend look after your service dog. Hospital staff cannot take responsibility to care for your service dog.
Therapy dog programs
Therapy dog programs are available in specific areas of the health centre.
Therapy dogs are part of programs such as St. John Ambulance or Therapeutic Paws of Canada.
Therapy dogs are identified by a scarf, collar, ID tag, harness, or leash that shows they are part of a program.
Therapy dogs and their trainers may visit patients in their rooms or in a group setting as part of an ongoing program.
Personal pets
Personal pet visits at the IWK are not allowed except in special situations, such as a dying patient’s request.
Personal pet visits must be approved by the medical team and Infection Prevention and Control staff.
We understand that your pet is an important part of your life however animal visits are a health concern for some patients and staff members. This is why visits are limited to special situations.
Any questions should be directed to the care team that you are visiting.
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