Therapy Dog Volunteer - Brighton Hospice

Brighton Hospice is seeking compassionate volunteers and their certified therapy dogs to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to patients and families receiving hospice care. Therapy animal visits can bring peace, joy, and connection during meaningful moments, and we are grateful for the healing presence these teams provide.

Role Overview

Therapy Dog Volunteers visit patients in homes, care facilities, and hospice settings alongside their certified therapy dog. Volunteers offer companionship, emotional support, and calming interactions to patients, families, and caregivers through scheduled visits.

Responsibilities

• Provide friendly and compassionate therapy dog visits to hospice patients and families
• Maintain professionalism and respect in sensitive end-of-life care environments
• Follow Brighton Hospice policies related to patient privacy, safety, and infection control
• Communicate with Volunteer Services regarding scheduling and visit availability
• Ensure therapy dog remains clean, well-groomed, calm, and appropriate for patient interaction

Therapy Dog Requirements

All dogs must be certified through a recognized therapy animal organization. Accepted organizations include:

• Alliance of Therapy Dogs
• Therapy Dogs International
• GO TEAM Therapy Dogs
• Pet Partners (including regional affiliates)

Other reputable certifying organizations may also be considered.

Applicants must provide:

• Proof of current therapy dog certification
• Documentation showing the certifying organization carries at least $1 million in liability insurance per handler-dog team

Independent teams may be considered with equivalent documentation of training, certification, and liability insurance.

Veterinary & Health Requirements

Therapy dogs must be current on:

• Bordetella vaccine
• DAP (Distemper/Parvo/Adenovirus) vaccine
• Rabies vaccine
• Annual wellness exam confirming suitability for visitation work

Documentation must be submitted prior to approval.

Volunteer Requirements

Handlers must complete:

• Volunteer application
• Reference checks
• TB testing (per hospice policy)
• Criminal background check
• Volunteer interview and onboarding process

Training & Orientation

Approved volunteers will complete:

• Hospice volunteer orientation
• Patient care and hospice philosophy training
• Infection control and safety education
• Facility procedures and documentation training
• Shadow visits if applicable

Ideal Candidates

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Compassionate and dependable
• Comfortable in hospice and end-of-life care settings
• Strong communicators with a calm and supportive presence
• Passionate about serving others alongside their therapy dog

Scheduling

Volunteer schedules are flexible and coordinated based on volunteer availability, patient needs, and geographic location.

Interested in Joining Our Team?

We would love to learn more about you and your therapy dog companion. Questions about certification or eligibility are welcome.

Apply today to help bring comfort, connection, and companionship to patients and families through the healing power of therapy animals.