KKaiser Permanente Pet Therapy Program Sample Guidelines for Pet Therapy Volunteers Visitation Guidelines

1. Dogs must follow a monthly heartworm regime.

2. Dogs must follow a monthly flea/tick prevention routine using Advantage, Frontline or other effective prescription prevention medication. Dogs may not visit 72 hours following the application of flea/tick topical treatment.

3. Dogs must be bathed within 48 hours of the visit and be free of ticks, fleas and perfumes. If dog visits more than once a week a topical cleanser may be used in lieu of full bath.

4. Dogs must be brushed with nails trimmed, and filed before coming to visit patients.

5. Visits will be made only during scheduled times and in specified areas.

6. If necessary before entering the facility, walk your dog around outside for a last minute elimination break.

7. When dogs are toileted the waste will be deposited in a plastic bag, in a trash receptacle. 8. Volunteer will notify Environmental Services for clean-up if pet defecates, urinates or vomits inside the Medical Center.

9. Dog and owner must wear Kaiser Permanente ID badges and designated volunteer apparel when on the Medical Center grounds.

10.Dog visitation team will initially check in with the Volunteer Services Office.

11.Dogs will be on 4-foot leases or a short lead at all times.

12.Always respect the dignity and privacy of all patients. 13.Be aware that it is not always easy to visit inpatients in a hospital setting. Sometimes there will be painful reminders of past experiences. There may also be an occasional instance of unpleasantness in smells, sights and/or sounds.

14.When approaching a wheelchair-bound person or a seated person, kneel down, if possible, to make closeness easier. In this way, the patient can see you and your pet face-to-face without the discomfort of looking up.

15.The purpose of Pet Therapy visitation is an interaction with you, the patient and your pet. Please, do not attempt to help the patient in any way. If help is needed or asked for please notify a nurse.

16.Do not allow a patient or visitor to hold your pet while standing or walking. Be sure the patient is sitting down in a chair or bed or lying in bed. Always put a towel, pillowcase, etc. down for your dog. When your visit is concluded, remove towel, etc. from patient (or bed) and place on the floor under counter.

17.If patient wants to hold pet, present the animal with its face away from the patient. Keep your hand between the patient’s hand and the animal until you can distinguish how hard they are petting.

18. Please stay alert! Watch the patient’s behavior with your pet to make sure nothing unusual occurs. For example – hard petting, tail pulling, ear pulling, squeezing. If this occurs – calmly remove your pet from the patient, while speaking in a clear, audible voice. Praise your pet for good behavior and let your pet know it is safe.

19.Try to engage the patient in a conversation. Talk about pets they once owned, but keep from focusing on sad memories, if possible.

20.Keep in mind that occasionally a pet visit will trigger a patient’s grief at the loss of his or her own pet. Sympathy and support should be given. Try to bring the focus of attention to happier times. Encourage talk of the patient’s pet in optimistic terms and gradually move the conversation back to the present moment. Focus on the positive. 21.If the patient is scratched or bitten, report it at once to the nurse and Volunteer Manager, so that the patient can receive any needed treatment and proper paperwork can be completed. Be sure to keep calm – for your sake, the patient’s sake and your pet’s sake.

22.If your pet appears stressed or is tiring, take it outside for a break.

23.When you have concluded a visit with a patient, instruct them to wash their hands (or provide them with germicidal hand foam). You are also required to use the germicidal hand form as you leave each room.

24.After your patient visits are completed, you may give your pet water and/or treat in the Volunteer Office. Also give your pet some well deserved praise for bringing joy to our Kaiser Permanente patients, visitors and staff.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TO VOLUNTEER AT KAISER PERMANETE.

WE APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR PET! Kaiser Permanente Pet Therapy Program

Preparing Yourself for a Visit

1. Dress comfortably. Wear a minimum amount of jewelry that might endanger your pet, the patient – or yourself.

2. Make sure your clothing is clean. Wear a KP provided volunteer uniform.

3. Do not carry any objects that might impede your successful visit with a patient.

4. Do not consider a visit if you or your pet are not feeling well. If you are unable to keep your scheduled pet visit, please contact the Volunteer Office. This way the patient can be informed and will not be disappointed waiting for their Pet Therapy visit.

Put on your usual big smile and cheerful personality.

This is meant to be fun!