Information for Pet Visitation

Dress Code

Volunteers wear the green polo shirt with khaki colored pants and a Shands volunteer ID badge.

Parking

UF parking surrounds the Shands at UF facility. UF students should use their current campus parking decal. Any other volunteers should contact the Volunteer Services Department at 352.265.0360 for assistance.

Lockers

Volunteers must leave their personal belongings and medications at the Volunteer Office inside lockers. Locks are provided by the Volunteer Services Department.

Preparation

Dog(s) must be disease-free, immunized, bathed, and groomed. They also must receive flea treatment within 24-48 hours of visit.
Volunteer Services will request approval of nursing staff prior to each visit.

Duties and general guidelines

Volunteers must wear a volunteer identification badge and sign in and out at Volunteer Services.
The dog will be supervised and transported in a carrier or on a leash. The dog shall be maintained on a leash at all times. The dog should be transported in the freight/staff elevator.
The person bringing the dog in to visit patients is responsible for the animal and must remain with the dog during visitation.
Only one dog will be permitted on a unit at the same time.
The charge nurse or designee shall be responsible for identification of patients requesting a pet visit and those not eligible to participate.
Patient and family members will be supervised by the volunteer during contact with dog.
Clean-up is the responsibility of the pet handler.
Any dog becoming disruptive will be removed from the facility.
Volunteers will be asked to maintain patient confidentiality.

Restrictions

Do not bring friends or family members along when visiting patients.
Be sure to store your personal belongings in a locker before visiting patient rooms.
Refrain from giving medical advice or performing any duties requiring medical licensure.
Do not visit patients without first contacting Volunteer Services.
Do not assist patients in or out of bed or chair or transport patient from one room to another. Ask nursing staff to assist patient.
Pet visitation animal will not interact with or have contact with immuno-compromised patients without a physician’s approval.