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The BC Children鈥檚 Hospital in Vancouver announced a pet therapy program for its health-care workers on Wednesday (Aug. 24).

The pet therapy program aims to provide hospital staff with a healthy and peaceful environment during their breaks and monthly wellness events with the help of St. John鈥檚 Ambulance and BC Pets and Friends-certified therapy animals and human volunteers, according to the hospital鈥檚 statement.

The pandemic put significant strain on the healthcare system and health-care professionals who work in pediatric care also felt this stress. BC Children鈥檚 Hospital treats children with some of the most serious illnesses and injuries in the province.

The hospital鈥檚 health-care staff rose to the occasion over the past two-and-a-half years by continuing to provide excellent care, BC Children鈥檚 Hospital Foundation CEO Malcolm Berry said in a statement.

The pet therapy program was specifically designed by PetSmart Charities of Canada to meet the needs of health-care pro. The program hopes to help reduce stress, but also boost health-care staff鈥檚 energy and self-esteem, a program coordinator said in the hospital鈥檚 statement.

Along with the announcement, pet therapy animals spent some time with health-care staff on Wednesday.

鈥淲hen the Pet Therapy dogs greet me during my workday, I immediately feel my shoulders relax and I can鈥檛 help but smile,鈥� BC Children鈥檚 Hospital clinical resource nurse Kelsey McCormick said.

鈥淎fter visiting with the therapy dogs, I feel calmer and more equipped to deal with the tasks at hand. I become more patient, my thinking becomes clearer, and I feel like I am a better communicator.鈥�

It is important to offer proactive stress-relieving tools for health-care workers to engage in, so PetSmart Charities of Canada is excited to work with the hospital to implement the program, grant director Kate Atema said. Animals can reduce depression, anxiety and other work-related mental health problems, Atema added.