Helen Woodward Animal Center Brings Valentine's Joy to San Diego Ronald McDonald House Families

Therapy pets deliver bouquets and love to young patients and their families.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a special effort to provide joy and healing to young patients and their families at the San Diego Ronald McDonald House, the Helen Woodward Animal Center's Pet Encounter Therapy (PET) program delivered Valentine's bouquets and soft nuzzles from their therapy pets. This is the third visit the PET program has made to the Ronald McDonald House, previously delighting families with a Halloween visit.

Why it matters

The Ronald McDonald House provides a 'home away from home' for families with children receiving serious medical treatment, helping to strengthen families and bolster their psychological well-being during difficult times. Studies show that children heal faster when families are near, and the unconditional love and tactile benefits of animal therapy can provide relaxation, lower blood pressure, and increased positivity for these families.

The details

The special Valentine's visit was underwritten by Joey's Wings, a charity that provides funding for childhood cancer research and support services. The therapy pets delivered heart-shaped flowers adorned with their photos and Valentine's messages of love and devotion. Visiting children were invited to gather a bouquet of the paper blooms from each therapy pet.

  • On February 14, 2026, the therapy pets visited the San Diego Ronald McDonald House.
  • In the fall of 2025, the PET program previously visited the Ronald McDonald House for a Halloween event.

The players

Helen Woodward Animal Center

A non-profit animal welfare organization that operates the Pet Encounter Therapy (PET) program, which brings the unconditional love and tactile benefits of animals to patients in various settings.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

A non-profit organization that provides a 'home away from home' for families with children receiving serious medical treatment at local hospitals, helping to strengthen families and bolster their psychological well-being.

Joey's Wings

A charity that provides funding for childhood cancer research and support services for families navigating a cancer diagnosis, and has partnered with the Helen Woodward Animal Center's PET program since 2019.

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What they’re saying

“There is so much work that goes into fighting a serious illness, for both the child and its family. Bringing a few moments of downtime, laughter, healing and peace to these individuals is something that therapy animals do so well.”

— Robin Cohen, PET Manager, Helen Woodward Animal Center (San Diego Union-Tribune)

The takeaway

This heartwarming collaboration between the Helen Woodward Animal Center and the San Diego Ronald McDonald House demonstrates the powerful impact that animal therapy can have in providing comfort, joy, and healing to families facing serious medical challenges. The unconditional love of therapy pets can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and their loved ones during difficult times.