Brightening Lives Animal Visits

Are You Interested in Brightening Someone's Life?

Not currently recruiting.

The Brightening Lives Animal Visits Program is a community service that the OHS began in 1986. This volunteer-based program promotes the value of animals in the Ottawa community by bringing joy and happiness to individuals residing in hospitals, retirement residences, shelters and other long-term care facilities, through human and companion animal volunteer interactions. The Brightening Lives Animal Visits Program mimics an academic school year and runs from September to May, with occasional summer visits. Visits are scheduled from Mondays to Thursdays, and consist of morning, afternoon and evening shifts.

The Brightening Lives Animal Visits Program benefits all who participate: the animals – who enjoy making new human and animal friends, the volunteers – who see the lives this program touches and the residents, and clients – who may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the companionship of animals and are offered the chance to interact with each other.

Volunteers are required to make a weekly commitment, over a period of at least one-year.

Brightening Lives Volunteer Requirements

• Volunteers must have a companion animal suitable for visits.
• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license.
• Volunteers must be willing to attend various locations throughout the city including the west and east ends.
• All companion animals must pass an OHS behaviour assessment.
• Volunteers must commit to a consistent schedule each week (three hours per week).
• Volunteers need to be responsible, caring, and compassionate.
• Following the interview, all volunteers will be asked to complete a criminal record and scheduled for an orientation.