University Hospital
Volunteer Services
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Pet Therapy Program

Sunshine Friends, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people and animals through mutually beneficial interaction. It's goal is to provide continuing pet services to fit the needs of the community we serve.

For more information
on this program, please contact:
Sunshine Friends Incorporated
PO Box 6936
Syracuse, NY 13217
315 457-7622

Services

The Pet Program provides pet visitation to Skilled Nursing Facilities and Independent Living/Retirement Communities. Each visit lasts approximately one hour and depending on the facility, can be in a common area or travel room to room. During the visits, residents are given the opportunity to pet/hold the animals and ask the handlers any questions they might have.

Special Services to University Hospital

Sunshine Friends, Inc. provides pet-assisted therapy to the rehabilitation, pediatric and psychiatric units at University Hospital. Other services offered include special-case animal rescues and placement.

Becoming a Volunteer

Animals volunteering with Sunshine Friends, Inc. go through a specialized screening process and are kept up-to-date on all vaccinations. Those involved in pet-assisted therapy are required to have their Canine Good Citizen Certification.

Volunteer Preparedness Services

In appreciation for the work that our volunteers and their pets do, we offer an assortment of informational services to assist volunteers with their participation in the program and with the maintenance of their pet’s overall health and well-being.

These services include:

  • Monthly newsletter and calendar of events with scheduled visits
  • Canine Good Citizen certification classes
  • General meetings every other month
  • Educational seminars on various topics
  • Annual Volunteer Picnic

750 East Adams Street
Syracuse, NY 13210-1834
Phone: 315 464-5540
Toll Free: 877 464-5540



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