Animal Assisted Therapy Volunteer Opportunities

Hanz at Grandview

Why do we take animals to visit? We want to share our animals with other people - especially those who are more vulnerable, lonely, or in pain. Working with the people we visit is rewarding and fun. It is wonderful to see the affection between the patients and the dogs. In the case of some of the children we visit, the Love On 4 Paws program is their first opportunity to touch or play with an animal.

As a volunteer for Love On 4 Paws, you will find several opportunities for "different" kinds of visits.

Traditional Animal Assisted Therapy Visits

During these visits, volunteer / handler teams are assigned to a specific unit at Childrens Hospital. The team will visit children in their rooms to provide a distraction from their illness and loneliness.

Physical Therapy Visits

Experienced handler / animals teams with specific skills will have the opportunity to work with Rehabilitation Therapists in several areas of therapeutic interventions.

Pain Management Visits

Experienced handler / animals teams may work with the Pain Management staff (Department of Anesthesiology) to provide distraction and comfort for patients with chronic pain, post operative patients, or for patients whose conditions require them to undergo painful procedures (i.e. burns, sickle cell anemia, cancer).

You may think you can never do this but it is very easy. The joy and happiness you and your wonderful animal can bring to people who are bedridden, in wheelchairs, or isolated from normal companionship is unbelievable!!!

Ok, I'm Sold! How do I get started volunteering?

1. Read the FAQs carefully.
2. Complete and submit the online questionnaire.
3. LO4P will contact you to discuss attending the next orientation class / formal evaluation
4. Complete initial paperwork and send to LO4P. A one-time (non-refundable) $50 fee is required at this time to cover the orientation class & formal evaluation session.
5. Attend the orientation class with your dog. Successful candidates fill out more forms.
6. The successful candidates attend the individual evaluation session (final exam).
7. Candidates passing the evaluation session complete hospital-required tests & orientations.
8. Your first visit -- with a personal coach. Congratulations!

Coming to class will give you an idea of what being a volunteer animal assisted therapy team entails. We want you to enjoy visiting with your dog and have the skills you need to be successful. You must be willing to treat your program commitment seriously. Although we are volunteers, visits must be treated like a "job" and handled professionally.