Therapy Dogs in Costumes Bring Healing to Hospitals Across U.S.

Therapy dogs across the U.S. are bringing joy to hospital patients through themed events like Halloween parades, with programs ensuring strict safety and infection-control measures. In Cedar Rapids and Coralville, annual Dog-O-Ween competitions support local rescues and shelters, celebrating dogs in festive costumes and raising community engagement. Doggy daycares, such as Canine College in Michigan and Nico’s Doggy Daycare, have gained popularity by sharing cute and entertaining videos of dogs enjoying their time, highlighting the positive social and emotional benefits for pets and owners. However, concerns have been raised about doggy daycare practices in the UK, where some dogs reportedly spend excessive hours in transport vans, raising welfare and safety issues. These stories collectively underscore the growing role of dogs in community events and pet care, while also emphasizing the importance of responsible and humane treatment in doggy daycare services.