The Therapy Dog Handler and their Therapy Dog provide emotional support and companionship to participants at our adult day service for individuals with memory loss. This volunteer role involves guiding the therapy dog through interactions with participants, enhancing their well-being through positive, comforting, and therapeutic encounters. The presence of a well-trained therapy dog can offer joy, reduce stress, and foster a sense of connection and calm among participants.
Basic Requirements:
- Completion of volunteer application and interview.
- Successful completion of appropriate screenings Hilltop Residential Criminal background check without CAPS or MVR, Seasonal Flu Shot, TB test
- Completes program orientation and position specific training. (2 hours of training)
- Dog must be certified by a recognized organization such as (Therapy Dog Alliance, Therapy Dogs International, etc.) Proof of certification and insurance required.
- Dog must have up-to-date vaccination records. Copy of vaccination records required.
- Volunteer serves as primary handler and expert on their dog’s behavior and limitations.
- Dog must be on a leash at all times and under the control of handler.
- Dog must be friendly, patient, gentle and at ease in all situations.
- Dependable and responsible.
- Maintain client and family confidentiality.
- Minimum age requirement: 21
- Good listening and communication skills.
- Completes and submits volunteer hours monthly.
- Abide by all Hilltop policies/procedures and Code of Conduct.
Key Responsibilities:
- Volunteer will comply with the standards and best practices of Therapy Dog Certification and interaction while assessing resident and participant interest in petting, holding, and cuddling the dog. Handler will assess the stress level of dog in interactions to determine pet’s wellbeing and appropriate length of visit.
- Conduct Therapy Sessions: Visit participants with the therapy dog, engaging in one-on-one or group interactions to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support.
- Facilitate Interactions: Guide the therapy dog in safe and appropriate interactions, ensuring that participants can pet, interact with, and enjoy the dog in a manner suited to their comfort and health.
- Observe and Adapt: Monitor participants’ reactions to the therapy dog, adapting interactions to meet individual needs and ensuring that both the dog and the participants are comfortable and safe.
- Maintain Safety and Cleanliness: Ensure the therapy dog is well-groomed, clean, and up-to-date with vaccinations. Maintain hygiene by following facility protocols for cleanliness and safety.
- Coordinate with Facility Staff: Communicate with facility staff to schedule visits, discuss residents' needs, and address any concerns related to the therapy dog’s presence and interactions.
- Promote Well-being: Encourage and support positive emotional responses from participants, providing reassurance and comfort through the therapy dog’s presence.
- Handle Documentation: Complete any necessary documentation related to the therapy dog’s visits, including feedback forms and incident reports, if applicable.
