“ Improved health and well being through human-animal interaction”

The VCU Health System Policy for Animals in the Hospital contains the policies and procedures for Dogs On Call. All Dogs On Call Volunteers are expected to be familiar with and comply with these policies.

Please call the Center (804) 287-PAWS to obtain forms referred to in this document or answer questions about this program. – For further information on general hospital volunteering requirements please contact VCUHS Hospital Volunteer Services Offices (804) 828-0922. In addition, please visit the DELTA website (www.deltasociety.org) or the Therapy Dog International website (www.tdi-dog.org) for more information on certification. Currently, TDI testing is offered at Richmond Dog Obedience – DELTA certification is offered when possible through the Center.

Volunteers who wish to participate in DOGS-ON-CALL must complete all the requirements needed to be a volunteer in good standing in the Health System. This includes:

• Application, Interview and Screening: Screening includes but is not limited to a criminal background check, reference checks and a pre-placement health assessment for specific areas of service.
• Training: Training includes Health System safety, emergency procedures, and infection control plus specific training in DOGS-ON-CALL with their dog in the Health System setting.
• Volunteers need to maintain their volunteer status by participating in annual reorientation, annual health screening and in any other activities or training required by VCUHS.