The Montreal Children’s Hospital Pet Therapy Program provides children with an opportunity for social interaction, stress reduction and sensory stimulation. Like some of the other Child Life programs, pet therapy provides a way to normalize the environment and reduce the stress that can be associated with hospitalization. It gives the child the opportunity to express his emotions, to feel less isolated and increases the child’s motivation and self-esteem. Only dogs that have been certified by Zoothérapie Québec, along with their handlers are allowed to visit the designated area during specific visitation times.