The Woody Pet Therapy Program at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas has brought smiles and comfort to countless patients since it began in 1988. Dell Children’s Medical Center is currently recruiting volunteers to join this wonderful pet visitation program. We are glad you are interested!
Here are the steps to become a Woody Pet Therapy team member:
1) Complete Dell Children’s Volunteer Training & Orientation.
- To learn more about becoming a volunteer and to download the application click here
2) Complete Delta Society Certification with a Complex Rating*.
- Visit www.deltasociety.org/VolunteerAboutAbout.htm to get information straight from Delta on the process and requirements to become a Pet Partner.
- Our local Delta Evaluator is Jessica Harrison. She can be contacted at (512) 733-7667 or at missytrainer@hotmail.com to schedule an evaluation.
3) Complete Woody Pet Therapy Program Specific Training & Orientation.
- Once you are a DCMCCT Volunteer and you & your pet are certified by Delta, we would like to help you and your pet become comfortable in our hospital. The following requirements were created to insure safety and a good fit:
- To schedule dog introductions or team visits contact Kathie Cool (Woody Pet Therapy Program Volunteer Coordinator) at kcool465@aol.com.
a. New team members are required to visit** twice without their pet. The team member will assist another team doing “rounds” to gain valuable experience without the responsibility of managing their pet.
b. Once you have completed two visits without your pet, two visits are required with your pet and another Woody Pet Therapy team member. This team member will observe and answer any questions you may have.
c. Existing team members will meet new team members outside of the hospital grounds prior to a visit. The main purpose is to introduce the dogs in a neutral setting so they can get to know each other.
d. Woody Pet Therapy Team Members are expected to volunteer a minimum of twice a month. Additional visits are great, but not expected.
e. Woody Pet Therapy Team Members are expected to participate in Quarterly Team Meetings.
Get started today by filling out the Volunteer Application located in Step #1 above!
For more information, please contact the Volunteer Office at (512) 324-0161.
*Please note that once you are a Dell Children’s Volunteer you can become a part of the Woody Pet Therapy Team even before you have been certified by Delta! You can do this by assisting other Pet Partner teams. This assistance is very valuable to the team and it will help you get familiar with the hospital before you bring your pet along. This type of assistance is entirely optional.
**Woody Pet Therapy Program volunteers and their dogs currently visit hospital patients on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They are also invited to participate in various hospital special events.