Pet Therapy Volunteer

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.

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.

VOLUNTEER: The 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. He/ she must always accompany the certified therapy animal on visits; it is not acceptable for another handler to accompany the animal. He/ she must have access to reliable transportation. Additionally, he/ she must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Satisfactorily complete all requirements to serve as a Direct Care Volunteer (a copy of the Direct Care Volunteer Job Description must be signed and maintained in the Volunteer Personnel File in addition to the Pet Therapy Volunteer Job Description)
3. Successfully complete the Direct Care Volunteer Orientation