Requesting Pet Therapy Services for Hospice Patients

We are currently seeking qualified professionals that would like to offer pet therapy services to individuals on hospice in Hartford, Fairfield, New Haven, Litchfield, and/or Middlesex counties. Volunteers are an essential part of the hospice team, as they contribute to the quality of life and fulfillment each patient experiences in their final days. If you are certified/licensed to provide pet therapy services and would like to gift some very special people with your presence and passion, please review the requirements below and apply to your preferred location.

Volunteer Training

All volunteers receive free training at a local office or virtually. In the volunteer orientation, you will learn about the following:

• The goals and philosophy of hospice care
• The physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of death and dying
• Listening and communication skills
• Patient and family rights
• Professional boundaries
• Family relationships
• Grief and loss
• Spiritual and cultural diversity
• Patient confidentiality

Health Screening and Background Check

All required testing and health screening is paid for by Compassus.

• TB Testing
• Background Check
• Fingerprinting

Time Commitment

Minimum of 6 months to 1 year commitment. After completing training, volunteers determine the frequency of their visits/services and how much time they would like to spend at each visit/service they perform. Whether you give two hours a month or six hours a week, all efforts are appreciated and needed. Compassus will work around your schedule.

The Qualities of An Effective Hospice Volunteer

Hospice volunteers should have a compassionate and kind attitude toward their patients. They should strive to provide comfort and support for both the patient and their family members. They should be reliable, punctual, and prepared for the tasks assigned to them. Good communication skills are essential in this role. Hospice volunteers should have a good understanding of hospice services, as well as, the hospice philosophy of care, taught during training. Finally, hospice volunteers should be non-judgmental and respectful towards patients and their families.

Additional qualities of an effective hospice volunteer include:

• Good listener
• Dependable
• Patient
• Flexible
• Empathetic and open
• Willing to serve, whether directly with families or behind the scenes

By having these qualities, hospice volunteers can provide quality care to those in need of hospice services, as well as support for their families. Their presence can be a great source of comfort and help to both the patient and family members during this difficult time.

Listed below are links to apply at our local offices, please apply to your preferred location. Once your application has been reviewed you will be contacted via email to discuss the next steps.

Orange/Milford Office

Hartford/Rocky Hill Office:

Thank you for your interest! We look forward to working with you!