Pet Therapy

A pet can make a child smile

To participate in the program, all animals and handlers must be certified as hospital volunteers. All those interested in becoming a pet therapy volunteer must:

• Complete a volunteer application and attend an orientation to learn more about pet-assisted therapy.
• Accompany an experienced handler and pet on a visit to the hospital to observe animal assisted activities and therapy.
• Bring the pet “volunteer” for evaluation and certification as appropriate for pet therapy. The evaluation includes a veterinary clearance, a skills test to see whether the animal can follow basic commands and respond to the handler, and an aptitude test to simulate conditions that might be encountered during a hospital visitation.

Volunteer Requirements

• Ability to interact positively with patients and families, listen to patient concerns and work with children in a hospital setting.
• Ability to handle animal effectively in a hospital environment.

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Report to assigned area regularly and punctually. Notify program supervisor of anticipated absences.
• Provide children and their families with the friendly, comforting presence of an animal.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.

Volunteer Benefits

• Flexible hours and shifts.
• Opportunity to share a special animal with Shriners patients and their families.
• Opportunity to help make the hospital experience less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.

For further information on the volunteer pet therapy program at Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Northern California, please call the pet therapy coordinator at (916) 453-2084.