Volunteer Therapy Dog and Handler Team

About the Role

• The Volunteer Therapy Dog role is designed to provide emotional support and comfort to patients, visitors, and staff within healthcare settings through the presence and interaction of a well-trained therapy dog.
• This position aims to enhance the overall well-being and mental health of individuals by reducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
• The therapy dog and handler team, accompanied by its handler, will visit various areas, such as recreation room, therapy gym, and patient rooms to engage with people in a compassionate and non-intrusive manner.
• The ultimate goal is to create a positive and calming environment that promotes healing and emotional resilience.
• This role requires a dedicated handler who can ensure the therapy dog’s behavior and health meet the highest standards for safety and effectiveness in therapeutic interactions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ownership of a well-socialized, calm, and healthy dog that has completed a recognized therapy dog certification program.
• Ability to commit to a regular volunteer schedule and follow facility guidelines and protocols.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact respectfully and empathetically with diverse populations including patients, families, and healthcare staff.
• Clear background check and any required health clearances as mandated by healthcare institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience volunteering as a therapy dog handler in healthcare or community settings.
• Canine Good Citizenship, obedience, rally, or trick dog titles.
• Additional certifications in pet first aid or advanced therapy dog training.
• Familiarity with specific patient populations such as pediatric, geriatric, or mental health patients.
• Ability to document and report visit outcomes and feedback to the coordinating organization.
• Strong organizational skills to manage scheduling and communication with healthcare facility coordinators.

Responsibilities

• Accompany the therapy dog during scheduled visits, ensuring the dog remains calm, friendly, and approachable at all times.
• Engage with patients, visitors, and staff by facilitating gentle interactions such as petting, sitting, or walking with the therapy dog to provide comfort and emotional relief.
• Maintain the therapy dog’s grooming, health, and vaccination records to comply with MMC requirements and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to identify appropriate individuals and settings for therapy dog visits, respecting patient privacy and consent.

Skills

• The required skills include effective communication and empathy, which are essential for building trust and comfort with patients and staff during visits.
• Handlers must skillfully read both their dog’s and the patients’ cues to ensure interactions remain positive and safe.
• Knowledge of animal behavior helps in managing the therapy dog’s responses in various environments, preventing stress or discomfort.
• Preferred skills such as advanced training and experience enhance the quality and impact of therapy sessions, allowing for tailored interactions with different patient groups.
• Organizational and reporting skills support the ongoing improvement of the therapy dog program by providing valuable feedback and maintaining compliance with healthcare standards.