CFCS- Volunteer, Pet Visitor

Pet Visitor Volunteer-Children, Family and Community Service

Does your pet have a calm and relaxed demeanor?

Does your pet like people?

Is your pet at least 1.5 to 2 years old?

If you said yes to these questions, then we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for YOU!

The Pet Visitor Volunteer (volunteer with animal) works in collaboration with the program staff at a Catholic Social Services home to benefit the psycho-social well-being of clients with a variety of mental health/medical and social issues.

Responsibilities/Tasks:

• Communicate with program staff, prior to each visit, to ensure that current clients are prepared to accept the pet therapy team, and that there are no clients with allergies or medical issues that could be negatively affected by the presence of a pet therapy animal
• Ensure the pet therapy animal has updated medical vaccinations and remains in good health
• Ensure pet therapy animal is clean and well-groomed within 24 hours of visit to program
• Interact tactfully, patiently, and courteously with clients
• Respect client space and boundaries as directed by program staff
• Report any concerns or disturbing client behavior to program staff prior to the end of each visit
• Document volunteer service hours at each shift
• Adhere to the Agency’s Volunteer Agreement and program policy in a positive and cooperative manner
• Represent the Agency in a professional and ethical manner at all times while volunteering 

Desired Skills/Abilities:

• Respectful and patient
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Pet with obedience training required
• Mature, responsible, non-judgmental and compassionate individual
• Ability to maintain control of pet therapy animal in a way that protects the safety and well-being of clients and program staff, and the animal. It is mandatory that pet therapy animals wear a flat collar with leash at all times
• Vaccination record/Veterinary certificate is up to date (Rabies and DHPP) signed by veterinarian

Volunteer Perks: 

• Quality supervision and support
• Creating new relationships by increasing social connections
• Meaningful recognition of volunteer service
• Letter of reference upon completion of 25 hours of service
• Access to City of Edmonton Leisure and Recreation discount program

**Commitment  is 6 months or more for this volunteer placement

If you are interested in this unique volunteer placement, please start your application today!