Hospice Hounds (pet therapy): Forest Lake and surrounding

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HOSPICE HOUNDS volunteers are a registered* therapy animal and their human teammate provide a calming, friendly presence, and are known to reduce stress and anxiety.

If you have a furry friend that brings joy everywhere you go, this is the position for you! If your pet is already registered through a pet therapy program, you can apply immediately to become an Ecumen Hospice Hounds team volunteer. While dogs are the most common animal to join our Hospice Hounds teams, we are open to all therapy pets!

LOCATION

Our hospice services are provided wherever one calls home, which could include a private home or care community, such as assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

First, ask yourself:

• Are you at least 18 years old?
• Do you have a registered therapy animal*?
• Can you commit to a minimum of four hours a month for six months?
• Are you comfortable with death and the dying process, or have an openness and willingness to learn?
• Are you dependable and able to work independently?

If yes to all of the above, the following are steps to getting involved, typically taking 3-4 weeks to complete:

• Interview with a member of our volunteer services team
• Submit to background and reference checks
• Complete online training, at your own pace
• Attend virtual wrap-up session

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

• A flexible schedule at a location that is convenient for you
• Consistent and accessible staff support
• Ongoing guidance and education to ensure you are comfortable and effective in your role
• Ability to take a leave of absence at any time

For more information: please visit our website at www.ecumenhospice.org/volunteers or call us at 651-714-0200

*If you have a pet that you think would make a great therapy animal, but is not yet registered, below are a few organizations you can contact to get that process started. There are others in the area, so feel free to do your research and find one that fits your schedule, location, needs and budget. Make sure to tell them you’d like to become an Ecumen Hospice volunteer once you’re done!

• Therapy Dogs International: http://tdi-dog.org/
• Pet Partners: https://petpartners.org/
• The Alliance of Therapy Dogs: www.therapydogs.com