Want to Brighten Someone's Life?
Since 1986, the Ottawa Humane Society has been operating a pet visitation program. The Brightening Lives Animal Visits Program operates from September to May each year. In this program, volunteers are paired up with calm and social companion animals to go visiting to local seniors’ residences, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and social service agencies.
We are looking for new volunteers to visit long-term facilities, hospitals, retirement homes, hospices, group homes and women's shelters.
Visits are Mon-Thurs; mornings or afternoons and some evenings.
Requirements
- Participants 18 years and over
- Valid driver's license
- Commit to a consistent schedule each week
- Approximately 3 hours per week
- Responsible, caring compassionate attitude
- Enjoy being with people and animals
- Experienced handling animals
- Can lift approximately 40 pounds (a medium sized dog)
- Must be able to attend a two hour orientation
- Our evening visits do require volunteers have their own animal (dogs preferred)
- Pets must pass a temperament test and proof of up-to-date vaccinations
- There is a $25.00 fee for the test
Everyone benefits from participating in Brightening Lives: the residents and patients who may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the companionship of animals; and the volunteers who see the lives this program touches.
Still Interested?
Please call 613-725-3166 ext. 264 or email: brighteninglives@ottawahumane.ca.
