Pets As Therapy Volunteer

Kingston Hospital is a welcoming and dog-friendly hospital that greatly values the interactions between visiting Pets as Therapy (PAT) dogs with patients, their family and friends, and with staff.

Pets as Therapy is a national charity founded in 1983. The aim is to enhance health and wellbeing in the community through the visits of trusted volunteers with their behaviourally assessed animals.

It’s well-known (and scientifically prove) that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant benefits in relation to both physical and mental health and a visit by PAT dogs of all sizes brings a smile to many faces. Volunteers and their PAT accredited dogs can visit almost all parts of the hospital including wards and clinics as well as staff areas. Visits may occur either with the direct involvement of staff or simply by introducing yourself and your dog to individuals.

Essential Information:

If you are interested in more than 1 role, please submit your application on your initial preference (other roles can be discussed at assessment).

Please kindly note, you will be given a 20-minute assessment on the week commencing either Monday 11th November or Monday 18th November at the Volunteering office.

The Mandatory training for this role will be on Tuesday 17th December 2024.

Please only apply if you are able to attend the above dates.

Please can you ensure you provide details for 2 references (one of which you have known for over 3 years) It is essential you provide an email address for each reference when submitting your application. Please note – you can provide a family friend but not a relative.

Please ensure to bring the below I.D documents to your assessment otherwise we will not be able to proceed with your assessment on the day.

A minimum of THREE individual forms of valid, current, and original identification are required. Please bring one document from group one (below) AND two documents from group two (Below):

Group One:

• UK Passport
• EEA/Swiss Passport
• Other passport with indefinite leave to remain
• Other Passport
• Biometric Residence permit
• Driving Licence photo card (UK, IOM or CI)
• Current EU Photo Driving Licence
• EU national identity card - EU only

Group Two:

• Driving Licence photo card (UK, IOM or CI)
• Current EU Photo Driving Licence
• Driving licence - old-style paper licence (must be UK)
• Bank statement (UK/EEA) - less than 3 months old
• Utility bill - less than 3 months old (UK)
• Utility bill - 2nd Supplier - less than 3 months old
• Council Tax Statement – issued in the last 12 months
• Mortgage statement (UK or EEA) must be a recognised lender and issued in the last 12 months.

NB: If you are aged 16 - 19 years, in full time education and you are unable to provide two documents from group 2 above, either of the following ID options can be used:

• Full UK birth certificate (A4 size original , not photocopy, containing mother and fathers details)

• Letter from head teacher or college principal, confirming you are a student and containing your name, current address and date of birth, PLUS either an official exam certificate in your name or a National Insurance number letter.

If you are unable to or have difficulty in providing the above evidence, please give us a call on 0208 934 3620 / 2549