Pet Therapy Volunteers (With Dogs)

Northern Westchester Hospital's Pet Therapy Program is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of patients by offering animal-assisted interactions, activities, and therapy in a consistent manner to ensure the safety of all participants. Volunteers support the pet therapy program with assisted activities, including meet-and-greets for patients, visitors, and hospital staff.

Volunteer dog handlers with therapy-certified dogs are needed to participate in this pet therapy program. Pet Therapy volunteers must have compassion for patients and an understanding of the value of the animal visits for patients, their families, friends, and hospital staff.

Responsibilities:

• Visit a minimum of once per week
• Engage in friendly general conversation, as per patient preference (i.e. conversations about past family events, present/past dog ownership, importance of animal companionship, etc.)
• Volunteer will keep dog leashed at all times

Requirements:

• Must be 18+
• Must complete mandatory training
• Must make weekly commitment of 2-4 hours
• Must complete volunteer application and maintain up-to-date health and vaccine requirements
• Dog and handlers should be certified by a reputable organization and certification must be kept up to date
• Dog must be medically cleared by vet on an annual basis
• Dog handler must be onboarded as a volunteer
• Once onboarded, the pet therapy dog and handler must have their Northern Westchester Hospital volunteer badges on them and be visible at all times
• College students: express interest below and then apply through this student portal: https://www.nwhconnect.org/NWHstudentexperiences

Express interest below!