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Collaboration Agreement between Shine On Kids and Tokyo Children's Medical Center

On June 3, 2025, the certified NPO Shine On Kids, which supports children battling pediatric cancer and severe illnesses, has officially established a collaboration agreement with the Tokyo Children's Medical Center, guided by Dr. Takayuki Yamagishi.

The objective of this partnership is to enhance the activities of 'Hospital Facility Dogs®', which are certified therapy dogs used in clinical settings. This initiative aims to bolster the quality of life (QOL) for children who are hospitalized due to pediatric cancers and other serious health issues by promoting mutual cooperation and collaboration between the two organizations.

The following are the key points of this agreement and the support system for the 'Facility Dogs®':

1. Care Support: The trained Facility Dogs®, along with their handlers (clinically experienced nurses), will assist hospitalized patients during their treatment and recovery processes.
2. Training Support: There will be collaborative efforts in providing training for both the Facility Dogs and their handlers.
3. Awareness and Activity Expansion: They will work together to broaden the reach and awareness of Facility Dog activities.
4. Clinical Research and Presentations: The two organizations will undertake clinical research and share their findings at academic conferences.

Historical Context of Facility Dogs at the Tokyo Medical Center

The Tokyo Children's Medical Center is among Japan's premier pediatric facilities, focusing not just on treatment but also on enhancing the QOL of hospitalized children. This includes a commitment to mental health care and team-based clinical approaches. As part of this commitment, the center introduced the 'Hospital Facility Dog® Program' in collaboration with Shine On Kids in 2019. This program features dogs that have undergone specialized training to support young patients emotionally while the medically-trained handlers assist in their treatment. Over the past six years, a Facility Dog named Ivy has significantly impacted the lives of over 400 children, along with their families and healthcare professionals, supporting the overall medical environment.

The introduction of these dogs is more than just a comforting presence; having Ivy accompany children undergoing surgeries builds rapport, making the medical experience less daunting for them.

Upcoming Initiatives and Fundraising Success

Given the positive results of the program, in January 2025, the Tokyo Medical Center plans to initiate its first-ever crowdfunding campaign to support the expansion of the Facility Dog Program. The campaign yielded an enthusiastic response, raising more than double its target from nearly 2,900 supporters. This funding allows for the introduction of a second Facility Dog team, thereby expanding their reach into 'Mental Health Wards' in addition to the existing 'Physical Health Wards.'

Significance of the Agreement

The signing of this collaboration agreement is based on the alignment of the principles held by Shine On Kids and the Tokyo Children's Medical Center, along with the trust built since the program's inception. Both organizations are committed to leveraging their knowledge and resources to advance their joint efforts in the following areas:

• - Risk Management: Safety protocols concerning infection prevention and medical safety will be strictly adhered to, following established guidelines since the program began, ensuring comprehensive safety measures are in place for patients, families, and the Facility Dogs.

• - Role Model for National Facility Dog Implementation: This agreement aspires to create a model for introducing Facility Dogs in pediatric institutions across Japan, elevating general awareness and promoting research on animal-assisted therapy.

The Impact of Facility Dogs

Facility Dogs play a crucial role in supporting and uplifting children battling various medical conditions, providing comfort that fosters healing and motivation. Shine On Kids remains dedicated to developing appropriate Facility Dogs tailored to the needs of pediatric settings while continuing to deepen collaborations with medical institutions for sustainable and planned implementations of the program.

About the Tokyo Children's Medical Center

Located in Fuchu, Tokyo, the Tokyo Children's Medical Center, established in March 2010, has 561 beds and serves as a critical hub for high-level pediatric medical care, focusing on both physical and mental health.

For more details, visit their official website: Tokyo Children's Medical Center

About Shine On Kids

Founded in 2006, Shine On Kids supports children with cancer and serious illnesses and their families through their various programs like the Hospital Facility Dog® Program and others. They currently operate in 34 hospitals and facilities across Japan.Read more on their website: Shine On Kids