Griffin Hospital is seeking certified therapy dog teams to volunteer for its pet therapy program to help bring smiles and soothe the souls of patients, visitors and caregivers.
As part of its Planetree person-centered care philosophy, Griffin’s People and Animals Working in Spirit (P.A.W.S.) program is a complementary therapy offered to patients in need of the calming companionship that dogs can provide.
Handlers need to become a registered Griffin Hospital volunteer and provide proof of their dog’s certification.
Pet therapy shifts are 60-90 minutes and the owner and dog teams are required to visit the hospital a minimum of twice a month. Other requirements include an interview with Griffin Volunteer Services, medical requirements (health assessment, immunization record, tuberculosis blood test, COVID-19 and flu vaccination), background check, and a two-hour volunteer orientation.
For more information or for dog owners interested in pursuing therapy dog certification, contact Volunteer Services Supervisor at kbrowne@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7555. Volunteer applications are available at griffinhealth.org/about/volunteer-opportunities.