Hospice Pet Therapy Volunteer

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:
Solace Hospice & Palliative Care Inc. is looking for a compassionate and dedicated Hospice Pet Therapy Volunteer to bring comfort and joy to patients and families during life's most tender moments. Based in Saint Charles, IL, this meaningful volunteer role allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of those in our care — one gentle visit at a time.

Responsibilities:

• Visit hospice patients alongside a certified therapy animal to provide emotional comfort and companionship
• Coordinate scheduled pet therapy visits with the hospice care team and patient families
• Maintain a calm, empathetic presence in patient rooms and care settings
• Ensure therapy animal remains well-behaved, clean, and up-to-date on all health and vaccination requirements
• Document and report visit observations to the volunteer coordinator or care team as needed
• Participate in volunteer orientation, training, and ongoing education sessions
• Uphold patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times

Requirements:

• Certified therapy animal team (handler + animal) through a recognized organization such as Pet Partners or Alliance of Therapy Dogs
• Genuine compassion for patients facing end-of-life care and their families
• Ability to remain emotionally grounded in sensitive and sometimes difficult environments
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to a consistent volunteer schedule
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with patients, families, and staff
• Must pass background check and comply with all health screening requirements
• Prior hospice, palliative care, or healthcare volunteer experience is a plus

About Us:
Solace Hospice & Palliative Care Inc. has been dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care to individuals and families in the Saint Charles, IL area. Our patients and families trust us to deliver dignified, holistic care that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Our volunteers are the heart of our mission, and we are proud to foster a warm, supportive environment where every team member — paid or volunteer — feels valued and inspired.