Georgia CommonsHR1031: HR1031 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's facility dogs and their Canines For Kids Program; commend
Last action January 15, 2026 · House Read and Adopted
A House resolution honors Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program, which trains facility dogs to comfort young patients across the hospital system.
In plain language
This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives commends Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for its Canines For Kids Program, a facility dog program started in 2009 that the resolution describes as the first of its kind in the country. The resolution describes how the dogs go through an 18-month training process and are paired with a Children's Healthcare employee handler who cares for and manages each dog. According to the resolution, the hospital system employs 16 full-time facility dogs across the Arthur M. Blank, Scottish Rite, and Hughes Spalding hospitals, as well as the Zalik Behavioral and Mental Health Center. The dogs work alongside their handlers to comfort, support, and distract young patients during medical procedures and hospital stays. The resolution formally commends the program and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
What the bill does
- Formally commends Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids facility dog program on behalf of the House of Representatives.
- States the program was established in 2009 and describes it as the first of its kind nationally.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
- Does not create any new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a symbolic statement of praise.
Who it affects
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, its Canines For Kids Program staff and facility dog handlers, and by extension the young patients and families who interact with the facility dogs at the Arthur M. Blank, Scottish Rite, and Hughes Spalding hospitals and the Zalik Behavioral and Mental Health Center.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or funding effect; it is a ceremonial gesture from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizing a hospital program that provides comfort dogs to pediatric patients. Its main practical effect is a formal copy sent to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Key provisions
- The preamble (the 'WHEREAS' clauses) describes the Canines For Kids Program's 2009 founding, 18-month dog training process, and employee handler model.
- States that Children's Healthcare of Atlanta employs 16 full-time facility dogs across four listed hospital and health center locations.
- The resolving clause commends the program and wishes it continued success, with no statutory or funding changes.
- Directs the Clerk of the House to make and distribute an appropriate copy of the resolution to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
From the bill
“the facility dogs and trained handlers work as a team to provide comfort,11 support, and distraction for young patients during procedures and hospitalizations”
“the members of this body commend Children's Healthcare of Atlan ta's Canines For Kids22 Program and extend best wishes for continued success”
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Sharon Cooper (R, HD-045)
- Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)
- Darlene Taylor (R, HD-173)
- Tim Fleming (R, HD-114)
Topics
- children's hospitals
- facility dogs
- pediatric healthcare
- legislative commendation