Pet Therapy Volunteer

DESCRIPTION

The Pet Therapy Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients, families and caregivers by making friendly visits with his/ her certified therapy animal. Visits may occur in the patient’s home or in a professional care setting (subject to the rules of the facility).

Both the Volunteer and the certified therapy animal provide comfort, companionship and a welcome distraction from the illness. All care provided by the Pet Therapy Volunteer is outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan and agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG). 

PET: The majority of animals serving in this capacity will be a dog. The dog must be certified/ registered by an American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized therapy dog organization 

(http://www.akc.org/events/title-recognition-program/therapy/organizations/).

Other certified/ registered therapy animals will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. All required vaccinations must be up to date and copies of the vaccinations/ medical evaluation must be maintained in the Volunteer’s Personnel File; required vaccines include Rabies and Distemper. A copy of the current certification/registration, in addition to the liability insurance coverage, must also be maintained. 

Pet Therapy Volunteer must have an understanding of Hospice Philosophy and possess the ability to actively listen and communicative compassionately with patients, families and caregivers.

You must always accompany the certified therapy animal on visits; it is not acceptable for another 

handler to accompany the animal. You must have access to reliable transportation.

Thank you for your heart to serve!