The United Medical Center-West of Cheyenne has barred therapy dogs, the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle reported today.
The move was made to bring the hospital in compliance with national infection control guidelines, according to the hospital's infection control director.
As a result, Therapy Dogs Inc. volunteers will no longer bring their pets into the hospital. Therapy dogs are often brought into hospitals to cheer up patients.
Billie Smith, hospital manager and a Therapy Dogs board member, told the newspaper that the decision was not based on any problems with the dogs or their handlers.
Posted: October 31, 2005, 3:00 p.m. EST