Pets Offering Ongoing Care & Healing (POOCH)
Interested applicants can begin the process by registering through Pet Partners.
The Barbara Cowen POOCH Volunteer Program provides a wide range of services throughout Cedars-Sinai. Dogs and their owners offer heartwarming and supportive experiences to patients, visitors and staff members.
Human Requirements
POOCH Program Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and will need to do the following:
- Submit application
- Upload proof of COVID-19 vaccine
- Be available for a virtual interview
- Attend general volunteer orientation
- Complete initial background check
- Receive initial and annual health evaluations
- Get annual flu vaccine
- Purchase volunteer smock/jacket ($30)
- Purchase POOCH bandana ($15)
- Wear the volunteer uniform
- Must be the owner of the dog you will volunteer with at the hospital
Dog Requirements
Your dog must satisfy the following requirements to join you as a POOCH volunteer:
- Must be registered through Pet Partners
- Pass veterinary medical and behavioral screening exams
- Demonstrate basic obedience skills
- Be house-trained
- Be current on rabies and distemper/hepatitis/ leptospirosis/parainfluenza/parvo immunizations
- Submit a fecal sample through Cedars-Sinai every 6 months
How Volunteers Make a Difference
Discover the inspiring stories of how owners and their specially trained, four-legged volunteers brighten the day of everyone they encounter at the medical center and give back through the POOCH program.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can begin the process by registering through Pet Partners.