Volunteering
Volunteers are an important asset to the Department of Child Life and Education. They help meet the needs of patients and families who receive care throughout the Children's Hospital network. Volunteers are especially needed for the following programs.
Child Life volunteers
Child Life volunteers help child life or nursing staff conduct age-appropriate activities for patients in the playroom, at the bedside or in outpatient areas. They also help child life staff maintain a clean and safe environment. For more information about volunteer opportunities, or to apply to become a child life volunteer, please contact the Department of Volunteer Services at 215-590-1093 or e-mail volunteers@email.chop.edu.
Paw Partners volunteers
Paw Partners volunteers are certified therapy dogs and their owners who visit hospitalized children and their families. Petting and hugging therapy dogs reduces the stress of illness and hospitalization.
To become a Paw Partners volunteer, you must be 18 years or older and your dog must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least one year old
- Have current therapy dog certification through Delta Society, Comfort Caring Canines, Therapy Dogs Incorporated or Therapy Dogs International
- Have current vaccinations and rabies booster
All owners participate in an application process through the Department of Volunteer Services that includes an interview, health screening and orientation. All dogs are medically and behaviorally screened through the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania at no charge to the owner. When the owner and dog are accepted into the program, assignments to various inpatient areas and further orientation is provided.
For more information about certifying your dog or to receive an application, contact 215-590-2001 or e-mail childlife@email.chop.edu.
Learn more about the Paw Partners Program.
School Program Volunteers
School Program volunteers help hospital school staff conduct academically appropriate activities for patients in the classroom, at the bedside or in outpatient areas. Interactions may be with individuals or groups. School Program volunteers also support the faculty by preparing materials for students throughout the Hospital.
>For more information about volunteer opportunities, or to apply to become a school program volunteer, please contact the Department of Volunteer Services at 215-590-1093 or e-mail volunteers@email.chop.edu.
Contact Us
- 215-590-2001
