About Irish Therapy Dogs
Irish Therapy Dogs was founded in 2008 by people with a dedicated interest in the use of pet therapy for the provision of comfort and companionship to people in long-term or daily residential care. It is a professional organisation aimed at providing a pet therapy service on a national basis.
Irish Therapy Dogs promotes the advancement of education and development of people with special needs through the use of dogs and creates a general awareness of the importance and benefits of pet therapy.
Irish Therapy Dogs has undertaken the task of establishing a national network of volunteers who accompanied by their faithful dogs, visit residences where the companionship of dogs is missing.
What's Involved
Irish Therapy Dog's Volunteer Visiting Teams visit Care Centres and Nursing Homes and enrich the lives of residents by interacting with them. Volunteers should have their own dog.
What's required for this position
Applicants should:
Have their own dog
Be 18 years or older.
Commit to a weekly one hour visit to a Care Centre/Nursing Home.
Have a caring and approachable nature.
Have awareness and sensitivity.
Be capable of carrying out visits in a positive and discreet manner.
Respect confidentiality.
Maintain control of your dog.
Be prepared to accept that Completion of Application Process will take approximately one month. This is due to the Garda Vetting Procedure
Dogs should: Not be a restricted breed. Be house trained.
Be vaccinated and preventively treated for parasites.
Be well groomed.
Be friendly, gentle, confident, patient and at ease in any situation.
Enjoy human company and be happy to be petted and handled
Please note: there is a €25 annual membership fee
Further information and download an application form
- Hospitality/ Befriending
- Personable Skills
Level of English required for this role:
Intermediate English
Times and commitment required for this role
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
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| Morning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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| Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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| Evening | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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Minimum time commitment: 1 year
Hours required: 1hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Various locations. To be confirmed if and when the applicant has been successful in becoming a Visiting Team.
Screening details for this role:
- Formal Interview
- Garda Vetting
- References
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Initial induction and training
- Insurance cover
Volunteers with the following challenges will be supported in this role
- Mental Health Difficulties
Age restrictions:
Over 18
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
