Horizon Hospice Seeking Pet Therapy Teams

608 E Holland Ave. near Dakota, Spokane WA

Description

Pet Therapy Teams Wanted! Horizon Hospice is looking to add a few additional Pet Therapy animals/handlers to our Volunteer Pet Therapy Team to visit elderly patients in assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, etc. across Spokane County. What is Pet Therapy exactly? Pet therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. It also involves the animal’s handler. The purpose of pet therapy is to help someone recover from or cope with a health problem or mental disorder. Dogs and cats are most commonly used in pet therapy. Our Pet Therapy teams are assigned one on one visits with patients or they make ‘rounds’ into our partner facilities, doing short visits with multiple patients. Either way, a furry friend has an amazingly positive way of changing the atmosphere/mood in a room. Horizon Hospice (www.horizonhospice.com) has been providing end of life care in Spokane Country for 20 years; helping people live life to the fullest, one day at a time. Our administrative office is located at 123 West Cascade Way, Spokane, WA, but we serve patients in facilities and homes all across the county. What are the benefits of Pet Therapy? Interacting with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall psychological state. Our Pet Therapy teams typically visit patients about once per week. Basic requirements to join our Volunteer Pet Therapy Team: • Type of pet approved by Horizon Hospice • Pet/Handler have current certification through a recognized Pet Therapy certification program such as The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Pet Partners, or Therapy Dogs United. Horizon Hospice will reimburse future recertification costs (up to $100). • Handler completes a volunteer application and attends one of our upcoming Volunteer Orientations. We also provide a background check, TB Test and driving record check (we reimburse mileage). If you are interested or would like additional information, please contact Brian Hetzer (above Reply) - Volunteer Coordinator, Horizon Hospice.