Pup-Arazzi Volunteer Pet Therapy Dogs Celebrated In UCI Calendar

IRVINE, CA — Studies show pets can reduce stress in the workplace, and therapy animals in the workplace are becoming increasingly popular. Patients and staff at UCI Health can enjoy the upcoming year looking at smiling pups in a new calendar featuring the medical center’s pet therapy canines.

On Monday, November 25, at 10 a.m., the furry friends joined the medical staff to debut the calendar and personalize it with “paw-tographs.”

Photos feature the canines dressed as clinical staff and also patients receiving care in the medical center.
Copies of the calendar will be available for purchase in the medical center gift shop and the campus bookstore.

Proceeds from the calendar sales will benefit volunteer services to support programs like pet therapy.

UCI Health’s pet therapy program aids healing for hospital patients and helps hospital staff de-stress from the everyday hustle.

All dogs in the UCI Health Pet Therapy Program must be certified and be evaluated by the hospital’s pet therapy coordinator.

“Pets have a positive effect on the physical and mental health of children and adults,” says Sandra Serrano, UCI Health Pet Therapy Program coordinator who uses trained therapy dogs to benefit patients at UC Irvine Medical Center.

“Pets can provide an affectionate touch, something that’s sometimes missing in a hospital setting. We’re so excited to release our first pet therapy calendar, which features some of UCI’s most loved volunteers.”

The diverse group of volunteers at UCI Health includes professionals, retirees, and other community members, as well as college and high school students. With more than 500 volunteers, each person’s dedication to serving the needs of our patients, their families, and our clinical staff strengthens UCI Medical Center in our mission to provide the highest quality patient care.