Publish date: 21 May 2025
PAT dog owner Fiona has been visiting hospitals with her dog, Summer, for several years now.
Fiona says “Taking Summer on therapy visits is honestly one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Seeing patients’ and staff members’ faces light up when they see her and stroke her is something really special. But it’s not just the patients who benefit—Summer gets excited the moment we arrive at the hospital, and I always leave feeling uplifted too. It’s such a privilege to be part of those moments, and it reminds me exactly why I love doing this.”
Clifton Hospital, in Lytham St Annes is part of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Due to the demand for PAT dog visits, the Trust is looking for dogs from the local area to be on their books as therapy dogs.
Is your dog suitable to become a PAT dog? It’s all down to temperament. Calm, well-socialised dogs undergo an informal, independent assessment and if successful, can become a PAT dog. There is a fee of £25 payable for the assessment but once accepted, that’s it. Whilst volunteers are unpaid, as a PAT dog owner visiting patients, you’d be able to claim expenses to help with local travel costs.
PAT dogs and their owners become a very special part of our family of volunteers, with visits putting a smile on patients’ faces and giving owners – and dogs - the feelgood factor at the same time.
To apply, please contact the Voluntary Services team bfwh.
