Therapy Dog and Volunteer Pair - Hospice

Do you have a furry friend who is gentle, comforting, and committed to making everyone they meet feel special? Therapy dogs improve the quality of life for animal lovers who are living in hospice care. You and your best furriend should join forces to bring hugs, snuggles, and cute puppy eyes to those who are missing out on one of the biggest joys in life: dogs.

Requirements:

(* = can be acquired during onboarding process)

Volunteer

• Valid driver’s license and insurance
• Background check
• TB Test
• Current animal liability insurance *
• Basic computer skills
• Must be kind, compassionate, and patient
• Excellent time management skills
• Complete standard hospice volunteer onboarding

Dog

• Calm, even tempered
• Obedient
• Well groomed*
• Proof of up-to-date shots*
• Registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs*

Time Commitment:

• 3 month minimum service requirement
• Minimum of two therapy visits per month
• Estimate 2-3 hours per visit, including commute time and documentation

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide comforting presence to patients via registered therapy dog and companionable interactions
• Log service on EMR system (Firenote)

Training Provided:

• A three hour hospice specific training is provided in which you learn the history of hospice, what a hospice team does, compassionate communication skills, and how to schedule visits with patients / use workplace software to record visits.
• If your dog is not able to complete registration with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, we have a list of recommended places who offer a Canine Good Citizen training class, which will teach your dog the skills they need to be a successful therapy dog.
• Ongoing support is provided at bi-monthly volunteer trainings, which are optional

Limitations:

• Volunteer is financially responsible for liability insurance, registration with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and additional dog training (if needed).
• Must have reliable transportation and insurance.
• Must have access to the internet on a personal device in order to use workplace software.
• Please keep in mind that those we serve are dealing with health issues, and will require schedule flexibility. This role would best suit someone who has time and flexibility in their daily schedule.