Connecticut Children's Brave Pets

Reuniting kids with the pets they love most.

When a child is spending time in the hospital, a visit from their own furry friend can bring comfort, joy, and a little piece of home. Brave Like Me helps families schedule safe, supported pet reunions.

A little piece of home, right when it matters most.

A little piece of home, right when it matters most.

Brave Pets was created to help children facing hospital stays a chance to reconnect with their own family pets. These visits are designed to be safe, thoughtful, and joyful for the child, the family, the hospital team, and the pet.

Families can request a pet reunion visit through the booking form below. Once your request is received, our team will review the details and help coordinate next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What precautions are taken to make reunions safe and comfortable?

  • A: Pets must be freshly cleaned and groomed within 24 hours, fully vaccinated, and free from aggressive behavior. The Center is cleaned and sanitized between every visit. Our staff is trained to maintain a welcoming and clean environment.


Q: What types of pets can participate?

  • A: Most dogs are welcome. All animals must be up to date on their vaccinations, be cleaned within 24 hours of the reunion and must not be in heat.


Q: How long does a reunion last?

  • A: Reunions can last up to 60 minutes, giving participants meaningful time with their pet.
  • This length also allows for setup, cleanup, and preparation for the next family.


Q: Can more than one pet visit at a time?

  • A: No. To keep the environment calm and focused, each reunion is limited to one pet per session. If your family has multiple pets, please select the one who will bring the most comfort for this visit.


Q: Can my pet stay at the hospital or in the Reunion Center?

A: No. The Reunion Center is for scheduled visits only and cannot provide extended care.

Q: How many people can attend?

  • A: The Pet Center can host up to 8 individuals total, which may include family, friends, or hospital staff in addition to the participant and their pet. To include more loved ones, we offer a virtual option so others can join remotely.


Q: What if the participant has sensory sensitivities or special needs?

  • A: Please share details when registering so we can prepare. Our team can adjust lighting, sound levels, or the number of people present to create a comfortable experience.


Q: What happens if a pet becomes anxious or shows signs of aggression?

  • A: If a pet shows signs of distress or aggression, staff will work with you to calm them. If needed, we may end the session early to protect the participant, family, staff, and pet.


Q: How is the experience personalized?

  • A: Families can share favorite songs and photos of special places during registration. These details are incorporated into the environment, creating a familiar and comforting atmosphere that helps the reunion feel like “home.”


Q: Does this cost anything for families?

  • A: No. Thanks to the generosity of donors, reunions are provided at no expense to participants or their families.

Please consider sharing your reunion story with individuals and generous corporations so that we can always continue to provide these reunions to more children at no cost to them. We believe Bravery changes everything and we all can use more of it. Thank you!