Pet Therapy Volunteer for Hospice Patients

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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. Additionally,
he/ she must: