Volunteer Pet Therapy Team

Become a Volunteer Pet Therapy Team:

Share your pet's unconditional love and affection by bringing therapy pet volunteering to people who could use a furry pick me up. Here at Pets and Friends we screen, support, and provide a network so you can make an impact.

Description of Role:

The organization’s mission is to provide and promote the healing comfort and companionship of animals through pet therapy visitations and it is our volunteer pet therapy teams who put this mission into action.

Purpose:

We are looking for individuals who would like to volunteer in their community with their pet (dog, cat or rabbit).

Responsibilities:

• Adhere to and follow the policies and procedures set out by Pets and Friends
• Annually renew your membership
• Maintain and submit updated pet vaccinations while volunteering
• Utilize Pets and Friends online CRM to record your pet therapy visitations and update any changes to personal information
• Report any incidents, accidents or problems/concerns to the Pet Therapy Volunteer Coordinator
• Let Pets and Friends know if your visitations stop
• Represent Pets and Friends well by being professional, reliable and friendly
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Monitor your pet for signals of stress and act accordingly

Eligibility

Handlers must own their own pet to participate in this role.

Handler Requirements

• Sixteen (16) years’ old or older
• Commit to a regular volunteer monthly visiting schedule for a minimum of one (1) year
• Submit to a criminal records check with vulnerable sector through Pets and Friends
  • You must have a BC Services Card
• Attend a pet screening to evaluate your pet’s suitability for visitations
• Attend a human-only orientation to learn more about Pets and Friends, our policies and procedures, and the pet therapy program itself
• Be willing to pay an annual membership fee of $40.00
• Be willing to wear the official uniform on all pet therapy visits (handler vest, pet bandana, and ID Badges)
• Reside in the Lower Mainland of BC

Pet Requirements

• One (1) year of age or older
• Must be a dog, cat, or rabbit
• Owned by, and have lived with, their handler for a minimum of three (3) months before filling out an application
• Provide current vaccination certificates for all required vaccinations and maintain up-to-date vaccinations while volunteering
• Receive annual veterinary health checks
• Respond to basic cues (i.e.: sit, down, walk on a loose leash)
• Be clean, healthy and well groomed (odor free, nails clipped and filed, teeth brushed)
• Be friendly, social and enjoy meeting new people.
• Successfully complete the Pets and Friends pet screening.

Limitations:

• Pet screenings and visitations will not be carried out if the dog is in season.
• Pets that are aggressive or have a history of aggression, jump on people, growl at other dogs or are not housetrained are not eligible to participate.

Training: 2x hour general orientation is provided for all handlers.

Time Commitment: Pets and Friends requires a minimum 12-month commitment of 1 visit per month. Days and times are flexible. Handlers should also consider grooming and travel time.

Location: Services take place at health care and community sites throughout the Lower Mainland, such as hospitals, hospices, mental health programs, veteran community centres, and more; accessibility varies by location.

Benefits:

• The opportunity to make a positive impact in your community.
• Third-party liability insurance during volunteer visits.
• Access to a plethora of pet therapy opportunities.
• The opportunity to build a wonderful bond with your pet.

Contact: For more information, read the journey to become a pet therapy team and/or apply by clicking here, or email us at info@petsandfriends.org.