At a Glance
- Tasks: Bring joy and comfort to people by visiting various establishments with your therapy dog.
- Company: Join Therapy Dogs Nationwide, a charity dedicated to spreading happiness through therapy dogs.
- Benefits: Flexible volunteering hours, community engagement, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: No special training needed; just a love for dogs and people!
- Why this job: Make meaningful connections and help improve wellbeing for people of all ages.
- Qualifications: A friendly, calm dog and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 23735 - 29009 £ per year.
Therapy Dogs Nationwide is a national charity where visiting volunteers take their own temperament‑tested dogs into establishments to provide comfort, distraction and stimulation. Volunteers may visit hospitals, schools, care homes, hospices, prisons, courts, universities, emergency services and more. Their visits help reduce stress, ease loneliness, improve communication and create moments of joy for people of all ages.
Therapy dogs can be any breed or size as long as they have a friendly, calm temperament. Dogs must be over 9 months old and have lived with their owner for at least six months. All dogs are assessed to ensure they walk well on a lead and are comfortable being stroked and meeting new people.
Volunteers can give as little as an hour a month, or more if they choose. Visits are usually individual, but group events sometimes take place.
About the Role
Volunteers visit a wide range of establishments with their own temperament‑assessed therapy dog to provide comfort, interaction and therapeutic benefit. Visits help people with wellbeing, confidence, communication and emotional support. Establishments include hospitals, hospices, residential homes, schools (including reading support sessions), special needs settings, prisons and care centres. Volunteers may also help at events, shows, talks or fundraising activities depending on the volunteer role chosen. Supporting volunteer roles without a dog are also available.
Skills & Experience Needed
Volunteers need a friendly, sociable dog with a sound temperament. Dogs must be comfortable meeting strangers, enjoy being petted, be fully vaccinated and walk nicely on a loose lead. They cannot jump up or paw at people. Volunteers do not need special training beforehand, but must complete the organisation’s assessment and induction process. They should enjoy interacting with people and be reliable and community‑minded.
Support Offered
Volunteers receive guidance, assessment and support from Therapy Dogs Nationwide, including insurance coverage once registered. An annual membership fee helps cover administration costs (£30 per year for dog‑owning volunteers; £20 for supporting volunteers).
Requirements
All dogs must pass a temperament and behaviour assessment. Dogs must be over 9 months old and owned by the volunteer for at least six months. Vaccinations must be up to date. Annual membership is required for volunteers and their dogs. Some placements such as NHS hospital visiting may also require DBS checks, depending on location.
Suitability
- Dog owners with friendly, calm dogs
- Individuals who want to volunteer in community settings
- Those who enjoy meeting people of all ages
- Volunteers with limited time (flexible scheduling available)
- Supporting Volunteer roles are suitable for those without a dog who still wish to assist at events, fundraising or community activities.
Activities
- One‑to‑one or small‑group visits with their therapy dog
- Supporting children in schools through the Paws & Read programme
- Visiting hospitals, care homes, hospices, prisons, SEN schools and more
- Helping at events, shows and community activities
- Promoting awareness or assisting with fundraising (supporting volunteers)
Location: Test Valley
Therapy Dog and Volunteer employer: Unity Online
Therapy Dogs Nationwide is an exceptional charity that offers volunteers the chance to make a meaningful impact in their communities by bringing joy and comfort through their therapy dogs. With flexible scheduling and a supportive work culture, volunteers can engage in rewarding activities across various establishments in Test Valley, enhancing the wellbeing of individuals while enjoying personal growth and camaraderie with fellow dog lovers. The organisation provides comprehensive guidance and insurance coverage, ensuring a fulfilling and safe volunteering experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapy Dog and Volunteer
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Dive into your community by volunteering with local mental health organisations or support groups. It’s a fantastic way to build connections, gain hands-on experience, and show your dedication to the field.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you're a student, tap into your university career services to find volunteering opportunities in therapy and counselling. Many universities have partnerships with local clinics and organisations looking for volunteers who are passionate about helping others.
✨Join Online Therapy Communities
Hop onto platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find groups dedicated to therapy and counselling. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can make you more visible to those looking for volunteers, plus you’ll learn a ton along the way.
✨Keep an Eye on Local Events
Watch out for mental health awareness days or workshops happening in your area. These events can be goldmines for meeting professionals in the field, plus you might find out about volunteering openings directly from the organisers. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Therapy Dog and Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the therapy and counselling fields, it’s super important to showcase any volunteer work or practical experience you've had. Whether it's work at a helpline, internship at a clinic, or even informal support roles, make sure to detail the skills you've gained that are relevant to the role at Unity Online.
Show Your Passion for Helping Others:In your application, let your genuine motivation for wanting to help others come through. Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate why you’re interested in volunteering in therapy and counselling—this helps us see your heart for it and connects your experiences to what Unity Online does.
Include Relevant Qualifications or Coursework:If you've completed any relevant courses, certifications, or even workshops related to counselling or therapy, don’t forget to mention them! Listing these in your CV can set you apart and shows that you're committed to developing your skills further, which is crucial in a volunteering role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Organisation:When crafting your cover letter for the volunteer position at Unity Online, make sure to address why you specifically want to volunteer with us. Research our values, mission, and any current initiatives we’re involved in to create a personalised letter that demonstrates your fit and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unity Online
✨Know Your Techniques
Brush up on the specific therapy techniques or approaches you've studied. Whether it's CBT, person-centred therapy, or another method, being able to discuss these in the interview will show your understanding and preparation for the role at Unity Online.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since we’re aiming for a volunteer role in therapy or counselling, be prepared to showcase your interpersonal skills and empathy. Consider having examples ready that demonstrate how you've supported others in past situations, even in non-professional contexts. This can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Discuss Your Motivation
With volunteer roles, employers at Unity Online will be keen to hear about your motivation. Be honest about why you want to volunteer in therapy and how this experience fits into your personal or career goals. This openness can make a strong impression!
✨Reflect on Ethical Dilemmas
Be ready to tackle questions about ethical dilemmas in therapy. The interview might involve scenario-based questions where they want to see how you prioritize client welfare and confidentiality. Think through a few examples so you can respond confidently during the chat!
