Pet Therapy Volunteer Team

Become a Volunteer Pet Therapy Team! Do you have a friendly dog (or cat or rabbit) who loves people? Does your pet demand more attention than you can possibly provide on your own? Share your pet’s unconditional love and affection by bringing therapy pet volunteering to people who could use a furry pick me up. At Pets and Friends we screen, support, and provide many opportunities for you to make an impact.

ABOUT PETS AND FRIENDS

Since 1982, Pets and Friends volunteers have provided the healing comfort and companionship of animals through pet therapy visits. Our volunteer pet therapy teams put this mission into action. We currently serve Lower Mainland establishments such as hospitals, care homes, universities, schools and rehabilitation centres to name a few.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are looking for individuals who would like to volunteer in their community with their pet (dog, cat or rabbit). Our volunteers usually spend one hour per week sharing the love at an establishment of their choice. There is no specialized training needed for your pet, just a friendly nature and for safety’s sake, the ability to obey some basic commands. We also offer the opportunity to attend special events, where you can sign up to visit staff at corporate events or students at universities. Pet therapy gives you an opportunity to make a positive impact in your community and build a wonderful bond with your pet.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Pet volunteers must be at least one year old and up to date with their vaccinations
• Human volunteers must be at least 16 years old and pay a $40 annual membership fee to cover the costs of our liability insurance
• Maintain confidentiality when visiting vulnerable people in care homes and hospitals
• Record your pet therapy visitations on our online customer (volunteer) relationship management (CRM) system
• Represent Pets and Friends well by being professional, reliable and friendly

We will conduct a short screening of your pet. After the pet volunteer passes the screening, the human volunteer attends a two-hour orientation session before being matched with an establishment of their choice. We ask for a one-year commitment from our volunteers.

Check out our website at www.petsandfriends.org for details on how to apply and for information on screening and orientation dates.