Tanner’s pet therapy program invites people ages 18 and older and their registered therapy dogs to volunteer at a Tanner facility. By volunteering with your pet, you can make a remarkable difference in the lives of our patients, families and staff—sharing comfort, laughter and a moment of peace. Ready to volunteer? To join Remarkable Paws, start by completing Tanner’s online application, and choose Pet Therapy as your area of interest. We look forward to hearing from you! Complete an application Meet the pet therapy team Age: 5 years old Breed: Mixed Favorite toy: Stuffed avocado Favorite treat: Tuna Best Friend: Othello Gemma's favorite activity is to run two miles each day with her human daddy. Age: 7 years old Breed: Golden Retriever Favorite toy: All things stuffed! Favorite treat: Anything! Best Friend: Grace, her human sister Hosanna's favorite thing to do is to snuggle with her family and go for walks off her leash. Age: 9 years old Breed: Golden Retriever Favorite toy: Tennis balls Favorite treat: Anything homemade Best Friend: Kim, her human Paris' favorite thing to do is snuggle. Age: 7 years old Breed: St. Bernard/Labrador mix Favorite toy: Anything squeaky! Favorite treat: Cheese Best Friend: Dori Barnaby's favorite activity is meeting new people and dogs. Age: 6 years old Breed: Lemon Beagle Favorite toy: KONG Binkie Favorite treat: Mashed potatoes Best Friend: His sister, Bailey Bentley loves playing fetch at the beach! How does pet therapy at Tanner work? Through Tanner’s pet therapy program, you and your therapy dog may visit waiting rooms, staff areas and patient rooms. Our human volunteers must be: 18 years or older. Able to volunteer with their therapy dogs once a month, for a minimum of six consecutive months. Willing to follow CDC recommendations for hospital volunteers, including providing an immunization record - if born after 1957 - getting an annual flu shot and TB test. Willing to submit personal references, have a background check and complete an interview and training. Our therapy dog volunteers must be: One year or older. Registered with The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Therapy Dogs International or Pet Partners, and can provide documentation. Able to volunteer with their handler once a month, for a minimum of six consecutive months. Able to provide proof of current annual health and fecal exam by a licensed veterinarian along with current vaccination records. Clean and well groomed, with trimmed/filed nails, clean teeth and in good general health. Able to provide documentation of pet therapy insurance. Able to successfully complete a pet therapy “interview” before being added to the regular visit schedule. Questions about pet therapy? We’re here to help! Call the Volunteer Services Office at 770-812-9251.
