Pet Therapy Volunteer

Pet Therapy Volunteers bring approved pets to Salem Home for regular, scheduled visits that support residents’ emotional well-being through calm, structured interactions. These visits are coordinated with staff and follow established safety and infection control guidelines.

This role is best suited for volunteers who are comfortable providing consistent, well-managed visits in a care environment.

What Volunteers Do

• Bring an approved, well-behaved pet for scheduled visits
• Visit residents individually or in small groups
• Facilitate calm, safe interactions between residents and pets
• Monitor both resident and pet comfort at all times
• Notify staff of visit location before entering care areas
• Follow all infection control and safety guidelines
• Report any incidents or concerns immediately
• Record volunteer hours in the volunteer record book

Location
Resident rooms and care areas within Salem Home (as coordinated with staff).

Time Commitment

• Visits typically 1–2 hours
• Scheduled in advance
• 6 month commitment preferred

Requirements

• Age 18 and older
• Pet must be:
  • At least 1 year old
  • Calm, friendly, and well-behaved
  • Up-to-date on vaccinations (including rabies for cats and dogs)
• Comfortable managing pet behavior in a healthcare setting
• Willing to follow all Salem Home policies and guidelines

Important Guidelines and Infection Control

• Pets must be leashed or in a carrier at all times
• Visits must avoid residents with allergies, phobias, or additional precautions
• No pets in dining areas during meals, kitchens, or medication areas
• Volunteers must perform hand hygiene before and after visits
• Residents must clean hands after interacting with pets
• Volunteers are responsible for immediate cleanup of any pet-related messes
• Any scratches, bites, or incidents must be reported immediately
• Visits must stop if a pet shows signs of stress, fear, or aggression

Training and Support
Orientation and pet visitation guidelines provided by the Director of Community Engagement.

Why Volunteer
Provide comfort, calm, and therapeutic connection through consistent and meaningful pet visits.