We are officially on Facebook
www.facebook.com/
pets.visiting;
Please view our News and Events Page for more information.
How to Volunteer
This page outlines the seven steps involved in becoming a Pets and Friends visiting team. They are:
- Pet Screening
- Membership
- Orientation
- Facility Selection
- Scheduling Visits
- First Visit
- One-year Commitment
1. Pet Screening
All pets must be screened for temperament. Screenings last about an hour and involve some simple tests for your pet, filling out an application and answering a few questions. Most pets pass the screening. Please call 604-688-1766 or email info@petsandfriends.org to set up an appointment.
2. Membership
All visiting volunteers must be members in good
standing. Membership dues are $40 for the first year and $35 per year after
that. This money helps cover the cost of training materials, name tags and the
$5 million liability insurance policy that covers all visiting volunteers and
their pets. Membership also includes a free subscription to our bi-annual
newsletter.
3. Orientation (without your pet)
All human volunteers are required to attend a four-hour orientation session. Held monthly, it’s led by an experienced visiting volunteer and includes an informative talk, role playing, videos and refreshments. You’ll be given a volunteer manual and a current list of facilities that have requested our services.
4. Facility Selection
Pets and Friends sends volunteer teams to a variety of facilities across the Lower Mainland. Where you visit is up to you (as long as it’s on our current Facilities List). Many volunteers opt for facilities near their homes. Once you’ve made your selection, Once you have made your selection, please e-mail us your top 3 choices to info@petsandfriends.org and we will make the initial arrangements to the facility and get back to you.
5. Preliminary Visit (without your pet)
Once you’ve been provided with a contact at your facility, you’re ready to set up a preliminary visit. Attend this visit without your pet (so you can converse without distraction) and review the checklist called “First Meeting” in your volunteer manual before you go. If the facility seems a good match for you and your pet, go ahead and set up a day and time for your weekly visits. Please be sure to contact us at info@petsandfriends.org or 604-688-1766 and let us know what arrangements you’ve made.
6. First Visit (with your pet)
When you visit a facility with your pet, be sure to:
- Wear your name tag,
- Wear comfortable clothing you can bend in,
- Follow all sign-in procedures,
- Approach residents with care and respect,
- Ask each resident if he or she would like to visit with your pet,
- Introduce yourself and your pet to each resident,
- Ask each resident his or her name and use it frequently during your chat,
- Be in control of your pet at all times, and
- Keep your pet leashed at all times (retractable leashes are not recommended).
7. One-year Commitment
Consistency is a very important part of the Pets and Friends program, so we ask that you commit to visiting once a week for at least a year at this point. When visits are regular, residents have something to look forward to and this helps them develop a more positive outlook. If you have to suspend or stop your visits for any reason, please contact us at info@petsandfriends.org or 604-688-1766 and let the facility know as well.