Pet Companionship Volunteers Needed to Visit Hospice Patients

Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer with your favorite pet companion?

To be a hospice volunteer with Sutter Care at Home is to give the greatest gift one can offer - a gift of time, connection, and a willingness to be present. Sutter Care at Home visits patients throughout Sonoma County that reside in their own homes or in nursing facilities. Many of our patients have been lifelong pet lovers!

Volunteering can be as simple as sitting by the bedside, reading a book, or conversing about a shared interest. An act so simple has lasting effects on hospice patients, bringing them companionship and comfort.

Our requirements:

Volunteers receive 24 hours of training, health clearance and a background check through Sutter Health.

Our volunteers are required to receive or show verification of an annual flu shot and Tuberculin skin test or blood test, provide immunization records or titers showing immunity to MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and Varicella, show proof of TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and COVID-19 vaccinations, complete a drug screen and a health screening, consent to a criminal background check, and submit a copy of current driver’s license and auto insurance. Sutter will provide health screening and any necessary tests or vaccinations.

Pet volunteers must be certified by a qualifying organization, such as Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Therapy Dog International, the Humane Society, or other organizations that do certification and carries insurance for the therapy dog.

A minimum of 1-4 hours of volunteering per week and a 1-2 year commitment is required.

Interested in joining the team?

Learn more about the amazing volunteer opportunities available at Sutter Care at Home here!

Have any questions? Please contact: Alanna Wendt at 707-535-5790 or at alanna.wendt@sutterhealth.org