You and Your Dog Can Make a Difference in Patients' Lives

Join Cedars-Sinai’s Volunteer Services team so that you and your dog can provide heartwarming and deeply supportive experiences to patients, visitors, and staff members. The Barbara Cowen POOCH Volunteer Program provides animal therapy throughout Cedars-Sinai. Watch our video on YouTube, read below and check out our website to learn more about the POOCH Program: Pets Offering Ongoing Care & Healing Program.

Dog Requirements

• Must be registered through Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program
• Pass veterinary medical and behavioral screening exams
• Demonstrate basic obedience skills. Be house-trained
• Be current on rabies and distemper/hepatitis/ leptospirosis/parainfluenza/parvo immunizations
• Submit a fecal sample through Cedars-Sinai prior to starting and every 6 months thereafter

Human (Dog-Owner) Requirements

• At least 18 years old and, fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Must upload proof of vaccine to application.
• Submit Adult Volunteer Application
• Be available for a virtual interview
• Attend general volunteer orientation
• Complete initial background check
• Receive initial and annual health evaluations. Get annual flu vaccine.
• Purchase volunteer smock/jacket ($30) and POOCH bandana ($15).

Volunteers must successfully complete the Pet Partners process prior to applying to Cedars-Sinai

#givingback, #volunteer, #thecolorofcare, #CedarsSinai, #PetPartners, #TherapyAnimals #POOCHvolunteers

Watch our video to learn more: Why Volunteering Matters