Certified Pet Therapy Hospice Volunteer

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Join our team of Certified Pet Therapy Companions, and share your beloved pet with hospice patients, and their loved ones.

Certified Pet Therapy Companions offer unique support through the human-animal bond. They help to reduce pain and anxiety, and bring peace and joy to those they visit.

While each patient and visit is unique, your time may be spent doing the following:

• visiting patients that live in a skilled nursing facility
• sitting quietly and being present with the patient
• allowing the patient to pet or snuggle your pet
• reminiscing or life review about the patient’s pet
• taking walks around the facility with your pet
• share your pet with the patient’s loved ones

Our Pet Therapy Companions must be registered through the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program www.petpartners.org a program that trains and certifies those interested in volunteering by sharing a beloved pet with others.

We care for patients in the eleven county metro area, allowing you to serve in the location that works best for you. You set your own schedule based on the needs of the patient and family, and we request a time commitment of 52 volunteer hours a year.

Not sure you’re qualified for this role? No problem. The journey to working with patients who have a limited life expectancy and their family members requires careful preparation. That is why we have an extensive online training program designed to prepare you for the experiences ahead. The convenience of online learning allows you to access the information anytime, anywhere, and to work at your own pace.

We believe it is a gift to serve others at this sacred time. If you feel called to this meaningful volunteer opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

*Certified Pet Therapy Companions help to provide companionship to patients who have experienced additional isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. HealthPartners adheres to CDC guidelines and requires the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).