Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is proud to offer a pet therapy program, Caring Canines - Fetch a Smile, to bring comfort and joy to patients. Dogs and their handlers are certified through Pet Partners, Good Dog Foundation and/or Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Program Coordinator
Susan Appell
suesbichon@icloud.com
(631) 377-9646
FAQs
What is the process for becoming a certified dog-handler therapy team? Click here or any of the links above to learn how.
After my dog and I become a certified dog-handler therapy team, how do we start volunteering at Southampton Hospital? When you have received your certification from Pet Partners, please call Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Pet Therapy Coordinator, Susan Appell, to learn more about volunteering and to set up an interview. (Contact above).
What is the time commitment for a pet therapy volunteer at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital? Volunteers are self-scheduled and work with the coordinator.
In The News:
Southampton Hospital Will Expand Its Pet Therapy Program
The Southampton Press - May 10, 2016
Turning Your Pet Into a Therapy Dog
The New York Times - February 29, 2016
Pet Therapy Dogs Are Back At Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
The East Hampton Press - February 13, 2023
The Dogtor Is In: Pet Therapy Program at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Is a Huge Success, Thanks to Dogs Like Cooper
27 East - October 25, 2025