Hug-A-Pet Animal Assisted Therapy Volunteer
Description:
Hug-A-Pet Animal Assisted Therapy Volunteers and their companion animals participate in regular visits to hospitals, convalescent homes and retirement facilities in the tri-city area. Volunteers may visit locations as a group, or once trained, may visit at facilities individually. Volunteers are expected to visit monthly. Patients look forward to visits and become attached to the animals and volunteers.
Program Volunteer Requirements:
- All Hug-A-Pet volunteers must be current members of OHS and be covered by our insurance before making a visit.
- The animal guardian is required to provide information that immunizations required are current.
- The animal must be flea/parasite free and a fecal test must be taken at the participant’s cost prior to visit.
- The program director must be advised in advance of vacations, or as soon as possible if an emergency or illness occurs. This allows time to notify facilities that visitation will be cancelled and patients advised so they are not unnecessarily disappointed.
- Volunteers will display OHS identification as a Hug-A-Pet volunteer during visitations.
Volunteer Application Process
- Fill out and submit a Membership/Volunteer Application Form
- Meet with the program Director to discuss interest, requirements, and responsibilities of both guardian and companion.
- Provide necessary animal health and immunization documentation
- Ohlone Humane Society will conduct a temperament evaluation of your animal for a nominal fee. The potential animal therapist is evaluated for behavioral suitability and must be approved before visitations began.
- Once Approved...start providing therapy!
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