Heber Valley Hospital has welcomed Pippi, a goldendoodel, as the facility's first therapy dog to assist patients and families during hospital visits.
The goldendoodle operates as part of a visiting team through Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA), a Salt Lake City-based organization founded in 1993. ITA provides standardized training and oversight for companion animals that volunteer in communities across Utah and Montana.
Intermountain Therapy Animals maintains a presence in several regions, including Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Southern Utah. The organization requires potential volunteers to complete a self-assessment, attend workshops, and undergo team assessments to ensure local facilities can trust the visiting teams.
Heber Valley Hospital, located in Heber City, provides various medical services including emergency care and urgent care through its InstaCare clinic.
