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Pets at Duke | Volunteer Opportunities

Pets bring joy, comfort, and connection to so many lives. For many people, they are more than animals—they are beloved family members who offer companionship, unconditional affection, and moments of laughter and reflection. 

Recognizing the remarkable healing presence animals provide, we created Pets at Duke (PAD), a pet therapy service within the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program, to share these same benefits with patients, families, and staff throughout Duke Health.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer within the Pets at Duke program, please check out our two volunteer opportunities below.

The PAD Handler is an active volunteer who owns the therapy dog and is part of a certified therapy dog team. The handler works with the dog to encourage interactions with patients, caregivers, and staff, helping bring comfort and support in a hospital setting.

Please note that some of our more popular locations may have a waitlist.

Dog Requirements:

  • The dog must be at least one year old and under the care of a licensed veterinarian.
  • The dog must be current on all vaccinations, including but not limited to, distemper, parainfluenza, canine parvovirus, leptospirosis, bordetella, and rabies.
  • The dog must have a current heartworm test and fecal tests that are repeated annually.
  • The dog must have completed obedience or advanced training.
  • The dog must bathe prior to pet therapy sessions.

Available Shifts:

1-2 weekday shifts a month. Specific shift times will be discussed during a virtual meet-and-greet.

The PAD Facilitator plays a crucial role in our pet therapy program. This volunteer works alongside the handler and therapy dog to assist with session setup and breakdown, help facilitate therapy sessions, create a welcoming and supportive environment for participants, and ensure smooth and enjoyable experiences for all involved.

Available Shifts:

1-2 weekday shifts a month. Specific shift times will be discussed during a virtual meet-and-greet.

Still Interested?

Fill out the Pets at Duke application and a volunteer coordinator will be in touch to set up a virtual meet-and-greet, share more about the program, and answer any questions you may have.

Prefer to reach out first? Email us at pets@duke.edu.

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