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Pet Therapy Programs

Pet Therapy Programs at Capital HealthWe offer Pet Therapy visits to our In-patients at both our campuses at Hopewell and Trenton. If you have a certified pet and would like to join our team, please apply online and help bring comfort to our patients and staff.

Requirements for the Pet Therapy Program

Volunteer Application: Online submission only.

Personal Interview: Meet with the manager of Volunteer Services along with your pet.

Service Hour Requirement: Volunteers are expected to commit to a visit once a week for a duration not more than 2 hrs and must be able to commit to a confirmed schedule.

Certification: The pet must be certified by either of the certifying agencies - The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc or Therapy Dogs International. Proper documentation for the same needs to be provided.

Medical Clearance (Pet Owner): Provide immunization records for or undergo immunization screenings for:

  • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Tuberculosis (Quantiferon bloodwork)
  • Flu shot if volunteering during flu season
  • Fully vaccinated for COVID -19 at the start of volunteering (2 dose series Pfizer/Moderna; 1 dose of Johnson and Johnson/Janssen) and Booster shot

Medical Clearance (Dog): Provide immunization records for the dog for:

  • Vaccination form (NASPHV # 51 Rabies or Veterinarian proof of vaccination)
  • Current vaccination against: Distemper (DAPP); Hepatitis (DAPP);Parainfluenza (DAPP); Parvovirus (DAPP); Leptospirosis
  • Annual Fecal Exam
  • Veterinarian certification that dog is fit to participate in a visiting program

Criminal Background Check: Will be run once all medical clearance is received. This includes Social Security number verification.

Orientation/Training: Orientation and on-site training must be attended to complete on boarding process.

If you have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Services department between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 609-303-4023 or email [email protected].