Volunteers are the HEART of Heartland Hospice! We are looking for more therapy dog/handler teams in Oak Creek, or a surrounding community, to enrich the lives of our hospice patients. The pet visitor volunteer, along with their certified therapy dog, can encourage an emotional connection, alleviate stress and feelings of isolation, promote self-esteem and provide meaningful interactions/activities to support life review and the sharing of memories. Service hours are flexible and scheduled according to your availability and location. Volunteers and their furry friends have the power to bring the greatest gifts to our patients’ lives... a smile and reassurance during what often can be a very difficult and sensitive time.
If you have a friendly canine who has a lot of love to give and spreads joy wherever she/he goes, this is the opportunity for you! Contact Volunteer Coordinator Gypsi at 414-944-2000 or cheryl.kernats@heartlandhospice.com for more info!
PLEASE NOTE: FOR THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CANINE MUST BE CURRENTLY CERTIFIED AS A THERAPY ANIMAL. There are many organizations that provide the therapy animal certification, including Alliance of Therapy Dogs (www.therapydogs.com) and Therapy Dogs International (http://www.tdi-dog.org/). Let us know if we can assist you!
Handlers will also need to attend a Heartland Hospice volunteer orientation; complete application paperwork, including background and reference checks; and get a TB test.
