Hospice Pet Therapy Volunteer (Therapy Dog Volunteer)

DESCRIPTION

The Pet Therapy Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients, families and caregivers by making friendly visits with his/ her certified therapy animal. Visits may occur in the patient’s home or in a professional care setting (subject to the rules of the facility). Both the Volunteer and the certified therapy animal provide comfort, companionship and a welcome distraction from the illness. All care provided by the Pet Therapy Volunteer is outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan and agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

QUALIFICATIONS

PET: The majority of animals serving in this capacity will be a dog. The dog must be certified/ registered by an American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized therapy dog organization (http://www.akc.org/events/title-recognition-program/therapy/organizations/). Other certified/ registered therapy animals will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. All required vaccinations must be up to date and copies of the vaccinations/ medical evaluation must be maintained in the Volunteer’s Personnel File; required vaccines include Rabies and Distemper. A copy of the current certification/ registration, in addition to the liability insurance coverage, must also be maintained.

VOLUNTEER: The Pet Therapy Volunteer must have an understanding of Hospice Philosophy and possess the ability to actively listen and communicative compassionately with patients, families and caregivers. He/ she must always accompany the certified therapy animal on visits; it is not acceptable for another handler to accompany the animal. He/ she must have access to reliable transportation.