| General information
for Animals Heal Hearts program
Dress Code
Volunteers may wear the royal blue polo shirt ($10) or the pet therapy
shirt ($5) with khaki colored pants and a Shands volunteer ID badge.
Badges and shirts may be picked up in the Volunteer Office.
Parking
UF parking surrounds the Shands at UF facility. UF students should use
their current campus parking decal. Any
other volunteers should contact the Volunteer Services Department
at 352.265.0360 for assistance.
Lockers
Volunteers must leave their personal belongings and medications at the Volunteer Office
inside lockers. Locks are provided by the Volunteer Services Department.
Preparation
- Dog(s) must be disease-free, immunized, bathed, and groomed.
They also must receive flea treatment within 24-48 hours
of visit. Verification must include vaccination records,
a statement from approved pet therapy program on temperament,
and verification of checkup by veterinarian. The
animal
health certificate must be provided to Volunteer Services
prior to the visit or if volunteer is on a schedule, every
year.
- Volunteer Services will request approval of nursing staff prior
to each visit.
Duties and general guidelines
- We prefer
that the visiting dog be accompanied by two volunteers
(the owner and one volunteer) during a scheduled visit.
Volunteers must wear a volunteer identification badge
and sign in and out at Volunteer Services.
- The dog
will be supervised and transported in a carrier or on
a leash. The dog shall be maintained on a leash at all
times. The dog should be transported in the freight/staff
elevator.
- The person
bringing the dog in to visit patients is responsible for
the animal and must remain with the dog during visitation.
- Only
one dog will be permitted on a unit at the same time.
- The charge
nurse or designee shall be responsible for identification
of patients requesting a pet visit and those not eligible
to participate.
- Patient
and family members will be supervised by the visiting
volunteer or accompanying volunteer during contact with
dog.
- If visiting
in a patient’s room, the patient’s door will be closed
and a sign will be posted on the door indicating that
a dog is visiting.
- Clean-up
is the responsibility of the pet handler.
- Any dog
becoming disruptive will be removed from the facility.
- Volunteers
will be asked to maintain patient confidentiality.
Restrictions
- Do not
bring friends or family members along when visiting patients.
- Be sure
to store your personal belongings in a locker before visiting
patient rooms.
- Refrain
from giving medical advice or performing any duties requiring
medical licensure.
- Do not
visit patients without first contacting Volunteer
Services.
- Do not
assist patients in or out of bed or chair or transport
patient from one room to another. Ask nursing staff to
assist patient.
- Pet visitation
animal will not interact with or have contact with immuno-compromised
patients without a physician’s approval.
Information
If you would like additional information, please call Volunteer Services at 352.265.0360.
|
