Pet Therapy Volunteer

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Pet therapy has been shown to increase pain tolerance, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and bring smiles to patient's faces. It can be especially useful in the hospice setting for patients who have withdrawn from the people around them but find interacting with an animal easier and less painful. Owners and their pet visit patients in their homes, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes.

Requirements: Your pet must be certified (CGC and/or TDI) in the state of Oklahoma. 4 hour Initial Volunteer Training Class, application, criminal background check, TB skin test, copy of driver's license, proof of auto insurance, confidentiality agreement, and liability release.

Qualifications: Patience, compassion, flexibility, dependability and good active listening skills are needed. All volunteers need to be able to establish and maintain boundaries. The volunteer must be able to put the patient's interests first.

Time Commitment: Visits are commonly made one to three times a month and are approximately 30 minutes long. The plan of care will be created with patient needs and volunteer availability in mind. We ask that volunteers commit at least two hours a month for a minimum of 6 months.

Location: Visits take place in the home of the patient whether it is a private residence, assisted living facility, or nursing home. We have patients in many areas of the Oklahoma City Metro and will do our best to match in your area.

Reporting: Volunteer visits are part of the patient's plan of care and monthly reports of visits must be submitted at the end of each month to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Benefits: The benefit of helping others who are not able to repay you is priceless. Complete training is given to Volunteers to address all aspects of patient care. The Volunteer Coordinator will attend the first visit with each volunteer and will be available for any questions or concerns.