The BC Children91裸聊视频檚 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. John91裸聊视频檚 Ambulance and BC Pets and Friends-certified therapy animals and human volunteers, according to the hospital91裸聊视频檚 statement.

The pandemic put significant strain on the healthcare system and health-care professionals who work in pediatric care also felt this stress. BC Children91裸聊视频檚 Hospital treats children with some of the most serious illnesses and injuries in the province.

The hospital91裸聊视频檚 health-care staff rose to the occasion over the past two-and-a-half years by continuing to provide excellent care, BC Children91裸聊视频檚 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 staff91裸聊视频檚 energy and self-esteem, a program coordinator said in the hospital91裸聊视频檚 statement.

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

91裸聊视频淲hen the Pet Therapy dogs greet me during my workday, I immediately feel my shoulders relax and I can91裸聊视频檛 help but smile,91裸聊视频� BC Children91裸聊视频檚 Hospital clinical resource nurse Kelsey McCormick said.

91裸聊视频淎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.91裸聊视频�

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.