Get Involved: Health and Wellness - Pet Therapy Volunteer Team
Pet Therapy Volunteer Team
- Description:
Pet Therapy teams bring the proven comfort of animal visits to patients on approved inpatient units. Volunteers and their certified therapy dogs visit rooms and common areas to brighten days and ease stress.
- Key Responsibilities & Activities:
- Check in with unit staff to confirm which patients are available for visits
- Visit patients who request or are approved for animal interaction
- Follow infection control and hand hygiene protocols before and after each visit
- Ensure your dog is groomed, healthy, and under control at all times
- Log visits and report any concerns to the volunteer office
- Time Commitment:
One 2 hour visit per week or every other week, on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons.
- Impact:
Pet therapy visits have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, lift mood, and give patients a welcome break from the routine of a hospital stay. Staff benefit from the visits too.
- Requirements:
- Handler must be 18 years of age or older
- Completed volunteer application and interview
- Background check
- Health screening, including TB test and required immunizations
- HIPAA and patient privacy training
- General volunteer orientation plus pet therapy unit orientation
- Current therapy dog certification from a recognized organization
- Proof of up to date vaccinations and annual veterinary health check for the dog
- Dog must be at least 1 year old and in the handler's care for at least 6 months
- Volunteer Benefits:
- Share your therapy dog's gifts in a meaningful setting
- Join a close-knit team of pet therapy volunteers
- See the immediate difference your visit makes
- Scheduled, predictable visit times