PROGRAM OVERVIEW

For many people pets are the most important companion in their lives, but illness, disability or frailty can make caring for pets too difficult to manage alone.

The Companion Animal Support Program (CASP) aims to help eligible residents in the City of Yarra, aged over 65 or people who have a disability, improve their quality of life by addressing social isolation and health and wellbeing.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the successful delivery of this program. They are matched with a pet owner to provide these wellbeing benefits for both pet and its owner through regular home visits and dog walking.

As a valued member of the Yarra City Council CASP team, volunteers will have the opportunity to get active, enjoy some time with a dog that they otherwise don’t have responsibilities for, as well as connect with and make a real difference to people’s lives.

ROLE OBJECTIVE

The Companion Animal Support Program volunteer will assist eligible residents, living in the City of Yarra, to care for their companion animal, and also provides companionship to the resident.

Please note; this program adheres to COVID-19 safety requirements; and to be eligible to volunteer for this program you must be 18 years of age (or older).

KEY TASKS & REQUIREMENTS

• Assist with the delivery of the Companion Animal Support Program for eligible residents (patron) living in the City of Yarra;
• Visit patron on a regular basis (e.g. weekly) to walk their dog;
• Offer the patron a friendly face and a bit of a chat;
• Respect the rights of patron and exercise duty of care at all times, this includes decisions made by the patron regarding the care of their animal;
• Provide the Coordinator with a record of dates and times of visits;
• Communicate any feedback, issues or concerns during visits to the Coordinator, this includes if you are asked to undertake any financial or legal responsibilities or any other tasks outside the duties on this role description eg grocery shopping, as Council may be able to offer other services that can assist the patron;
• If you plan to drive you will need to use your own car, possess a valid Victorian Drivers Licence and ensure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition. Comprehensive insurance is desirable. There are other transport options including use of our e-bikes;
• Comply with OHS requirements;
• Have a current (or willing to obtain) a National Police Check, Working with Children card and vaccinated for COVID-19; and
• Able to commit to a minimum of 6 months.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Interest and experience in caring for dogs;
• Enjoy engaging with a variety of people from different social and cultural backgrounds, in particular older persons - but this may include people with mobility and communication barriers;
• Good communication skills;
• Be compassionate, cheerful and positive;
• Demonstrated reliability;
• Able to work autonomously; and
• Respect confidentiality.