Share Comfort & Connection as a Hospice Pet Therapy Volunteer - Westport

Organization: RVNAhealth

Position: Pet Therapy Volunteer

Location: Volunteers visit patients throughout our 35+ town Connecticut service area and are matched based on their comfort level, availability, and preferred travel distance.

Commitment: Flexible and based on your availability and patient needs.

Are you and your certified therapy animal looking to bring comfort, connection, and joy to those facing serious illness? Join our compassionate hospice volunteer team and help enhance the quality of life for patients and families through the calming presence and unconditional love of your therapy pet.

Pet therapy volunteers provide meaningful companionship and emotional support to hospice patients wherever they call home — including private residences, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities.

What You’ll Do

• Visit hospice patients alongside your certified therapy animal
• Provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support
• Help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation for patients and families
• Share moments of connection, joy, and calm during a meaningful stage of life
• Collaborate with hospice staff to support patient-centered care

Requirements

• Your animal must be certified or registered through a recognized pet therapy organization such as Pet Partners, ROAR or Therapy Dogs International
• Volunteers and therapy animals must complete required hospice volunteer training and onboarding
• Compassion, empathy, reliability, and patience are essential
• Ability to travel within the geographic area where you feel most comfortable volunteering

Why Volunteer?

• Share the healing presence of your therapy animal with those who need it most
• Enjoy flexible scheduling that works with your availability
• Receive support and guidance from an experienced hospice team
• Experience a deeply meaningful and rewarding form of volunteer service

How to Apply

For more information, please visit RVNAhealth Volunteer Services or email volunteers@rvnahealth.org.

Join us in making a difference. Your time, presence, and compassion can bring comfort and connection when it matters most.

Bring the healing power of your therapy animal’s presence to patients and families when it matters most.