Friendly Pet Visitor PET CUDDLES TO REDUCE ANXIETY

Job Title: Friendly Pet Visitor

Purpose: Spending time with a pet can reduce anxiety and increase feelings of comfort and wellbeing. Friendly pet visitors will provide these benefits to patients by sitting together quietly, enjoying pet cuddles, and/or playing with pet toys.

Location: Various locations in the Columbus, OH metro area

Key Responsibilities:

• Visit patients in their homes or facilities
• Ensure pet and patient safety at all times
• Demonstrate clear control over animal behavior in calm, positive manner
• Provide casual conversation with patients and caregivers
• Politely guide others on how to interact with your animal

Time Commitment: Once a month (min.), 1 hour shifts, for a minimum of 6 months plus 4-6 hours of hospice volunteer training and annual online inservices.

Requirements:

• Dogs need not be certified therapy dogs, but must attend a meet-and-greet with hospice staff
• Up-to-date veterinary records
• Kindness, patience, organization

Support: Training for this position will be provided.

Age Requirement: None

Dress Code: Casual. Dogs must be leashed.