ARLINGTON, Texas — Tails are wagging at Texas Health hospitals this holiday season. From Frisco to Fort Worth, volunteer therapy dogs are once again bringing joy to patients, visitors and care team members.

The canine volunteers are dressed in festive outfits and cozy sweaters at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance. The hospital has the largest pet volunteer team in the system with seven dogs.

“The dogs instantly put a smile on everyone’s faces and it’s good to spread that positive energy around the hospital,” said Whitney Garrett, manager of volunteer services at Texas Health Alliance.

At Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton, six therapy dogs greet patients. Pam Milam, manager of volunteer services at the hospital, said two of the six are celebrating a major milestone – five years as therapy dogs.

Besides looking cute, these furry friends offer other benefits in a healthcare setting.

“Therapy dogs can really help improve emotional well-being in the hospital and help decrease a patient’s anxiety,” said Megan Graves, LCSW-S, a manager with Texas Health Behavioral Health central intake.

Therapy dogs at Texas Health Hospital Frisco really get into the holiday spirit. One pet even helped decorate the Christmas trees.

“Our employees look forward to visiting with the therapy dogs and even developed relationships with them,” said Christina Lapsley, manager of volunteer services at Texas Health Frisco. “Patients also appreciate the visits because it takes their mind off any worries and lifts their spirit.”

Volunteers often take their animals to Texas Health hospitals through pet therapy groups, such as Pet Partners.

Other Texas Health hospitals with visiting pets are:

• Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
• Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth
• Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth
• Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital
• Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville