Cariad Pet Therapy is an award winning, not-for-profit Community Interest Company with our head office based in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, established in September 2018.
About
- The Be-a-friend Project addresses loneliness in older people in Pembrokeshire who love dogs and miss four paws in their home
- This is done by visits from trained volunteers and their assessed Be-a-friend Dogs to provide much needed companionship in our community
- The service takes referrals from, and works closely with local agencies in Pembrokeshire to identify those in most need, with their consent, who would benefit from our service
Click here for more information.
Why
- Loneliness can be profound and wide-ranging, considered by many to be one of the largest public health challenges faces
- As individuals get older they are more likely to experience loneliness
- As individuals get older they are less likely to be able to have a dog
- By combining compassionate volunteers with their engaging dogs, this partnership can address the challenge loneliness brings to communities
VOLUNTEER WITH US
The service is looking for engaging dogs with compassionate owners to join our Be-a-friend Project in Pembrokeshire.
- Does your dog enjoy meeting new people in a calm and engaging manner?
- Do you have a positive bond with your dog, and can you advocate for their welfare?
- Do you enjoy meeting new people and can demonstrate care and compassion?
- Have you the time to volunteer with your dog at least once a month?
What’s needed in a volunteer
- Positive and respectful relationship with their dog (essential)
- Passionate about their dog’s welfare (essential)
- Can demonstrate true advocacy for their dog (essential)
- Have an understanding of dog body language (essential)
- Able to manage own time (essential)
- Communicate positively with people (essential)
- Passionate about helping others (essential)
- Use their initiative and pro-active (essential)
- Positively supports organisational policy (essential)
- An ambassador for their organisation (essential)
- Time to volunteer (essential)
- Own transport (essential)
- Welsh speaking (desirable not essential)
- Like being around people and dogs (essential)
- Are kind and thoughtful to people and dogs (essential)
- Are good listeners (essential)
- Respect others point of view and tolerant of different views (essential)
- See the person not the disability (essential)
- Well-mannered and polite (essential)
- Interested in the people they support (essential)
- Are patient with people (essential)
- Compassionate and sensitive (essential)
- A desire to have a positive impact on others (essential)
- Passionate about making a positive difference (essential)
What does the project look for in the dog
- A dog that demonstrates their consent to engage with new people in new environments (essential)
- A dog that has a calm and friendly temperament (essential)
- A dog that is respectful when meeting others, i.e. paws on the floor, loose lead walking and awareness of personal space (essential)
- A dog that will engage naturally without the need for treats, tricks or training (essential)
- A dog that is fit and healthy (essential)
- A dog over the aged of 18 months and a breed that is naturally engaging with people (essential)
How to apply
Please send an email to [email protected] and provide with the following:
- Explain why you think your dog is suitable for the role?
- Explain a little about yourself? (Work experience, skills, interests relevant to a volunteering role)
- Explain about your bond/your relationship with your dog?
- What availability do you have to visit?
- Please up-load a photo of your dog
What happens after I apply?
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online informal chat to discuss the role further. Following this an invite to an in-person (owner and dog) assessment may be offered.
What happens if I am successful?
You will receive a comprehensive onboarding programme (in-person and online) which includes an Enhanced DBS and reference check with ongoing support from the Project Co-ordinator. Clothing, ID and Volunteer Handbook will also be provided.
When does the Be-a-friend Project start?
March 2024.
Please contact Leasa by email at: [email protected] for any further information on the project.
**The project will be taking referrals from local agencies in Pembrokeshire for this service from March 1st 2024**
Click here for more information or to book a visit.
