PET THERAPY VOLUNTEER

Pet Therapy Volunteers are needed to provide friendly, welcoming visits with our families and children currently staying at the House. Therapy visits occur in our common areas or outside, and at our special events. All breeds are considered, but dogs must be healthy, friendly, obedient, and excellent with children.

Pet therapy has many benefits for both children and adults including reducing stress, promoting healing, lowering blood pressure, and providing a comforting touch for those in the hospital system. Our certified therapy dogs and their owners are an important part of our volunteer team and in making our families feel at home.

Note: Inappropriate behavior by either the owner, volunteer, or the dog may be grounds for removal from the program.

Requirements

Pet therapy dogs and handlers must have:

·Copies of current license and vaccination records.

·A current membership and certification with Therapy Dogs International (TDI) or Delta Society and must be covered by that agency’s general liability insurance.

Require tasks

Visit with families and children currently staying at our House during volunteer shift.

Pet therapy volunteers must abide by these guidelines:

·Your pet must be in good health, clean, and well-groomed.

·Your pet is only permitted to visit with families in the common areas, including the main lobby area, common area rooms, and outside patio areas.

·Your pet should remain on a leash and be always under your control.

·You should ensure to always be respectful of guests’ reactions to the presence of a pet.

·You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet.