Therapy Animal Volunteer

Visits from Therapy Animals are hugely beneficial and bring a smile to the faces of patients, families and staff alike. Our patient’s needs are our priority, and our care is designed to make the best of their lives. One area of ‘care’ that can be extremely worthwhile is having visits from therapy animals.

It is well known that the therapeutic benefit of the human-animal bond is enormous, from bringing a sense of calm to assisting with pain management. We work in partnership with Pets as Therapy (PAT) and other relevant organisations to provide this incredibly rewarding role where you and your animal will be bringing a smile to the faces of patient’s, families and staff.  

When am I needed?

Shifts can be arranged for a day of the week and time to suit yourself and usually last 1 hour.  Weekly or fortnightly shifts are preferred.

What will I be doing?

• Attending the hospice with your registered pet on a lead and displaying your registration at all times.
• Visiting patients, who have consented to a visit, in their rooms with a member of the Therapies team.
• Length of visiting each patient will be guided by the patient and St Leonard’s staff member escorting the visit, but will usually range from 5 to 10 minutes per patient.
• Approaching interested staff members to enhance their day and contribute to their health and well-being by allowing them to pet the animal.
• Adhering to the health and safety guidelines during the visit including keeping your animal on lead at times and under full control.
• Be responsible for supplying any pet supplies and treats for your animal
• Occasionally you may be asked to have a photo taken of you and your animal for hospice publicity or social media purposes.

What skills and qualities will I need?

• Be comfortable working closely with patients with life-limiting illness
• Be friendly, kind hearted and empathic
• Be reliable, adaptable and able to communicate in a team environment.

• Have an ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and a good understanding of personal and professional boundaries

What skills and qualities does my animal need?

• Be calm, friendly and enjoy meeting new people
• Be fully vaccinated and treated for ticks, fleas and worms
• Be registered with PAT (or other appropriate organisation)
• Be in good health, clean and well groomed

How will I benefit from being a Pet Therapy Volunteer?

• Be a key part of a small, friendly and inclusive team
• Develop your interpersonal and networking skills, which are highly transferrable in many careers or helpful for your own personal growth
• Have the opportunity to network with numerous professionals
• Be valued and respected
• Familiarisation with the Health and Social Sector

Support and Supervision

The Therapies team will provide you with full training and liaise closely with you over all aspects of your role.

Volunteers will be supervised by the Therapies team. The Volunteer Services Team will help guide you through the application and induction process and be your point of contact for general enquiries about volunteering.

Training

Volunteers are required to complete mandatory training modules which are usually delivered via our online platform. Additional, booster and refresher training may be delivered as needed via e-learning, video links or face to face. You may also be invited to attend role specific in person meetings where appropriate.

For all volunteering enquiries please contact the Volunteer Services Office on 01904 777765 or email volunteers@stleonardshospice.org.uk

About the Hospice

St Leonard’s Hospice provides care and support to those living with life-limiting illnesses and to the people they care about. We couldn’t carry out the important work we do without a committed and talented team of Volunteers and Supporters – people of all ages, and from all walks of life who help us provide care, assistance, and support throughout the organisation, as well as promoting the work of the hospice in local communities and raising crucial funds.