Pet Partner Requirements

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Sierra View Medical Center! We’re not accepting new applications at this time but appreciate your support and hope to welcome new volunteers soon.

• Currently, animals approved to be in the program are limited to dogs, birds, guinea pigs, cats and hamsters. The hospital's Infection Control Committee must approve other animals.
• All animals must pass health, skills, and aptitude screenings as set forth by Paws 4 Healing/Pet Partners®. Handlers must complete and pass an online or in-person Paws 4 Healing/Pet Partners® Therapy Animal Handler course. Handler/ animal must pass evaluation by a Paws 4 Healing/Pet Partners® licensed Team Evaluator.
• New Paws 4 Healing/Pet Partners® must attend volunteer hospital orientations without their animal. New Paws 4 Healing/Pet Partners® will also be assigned to work with an experienced Paws 4 Healing/Pet Partner®.
• A veterinarian must certify yearly that the animal is healthy, free of infection, contagious disease, or dermatological problems, and immunizations as recommended by Paws 4 Healing/Pet Partners®.
• Sierra View Medical Center will not assume any liability or responsibility for the safety, health, or security of therapy animals.