Volunteers support patients, visitors and staff in a variety of meaningful ways. Roles may include welcoming guests, providing comfort to patients, escorting patients and visitors, offering clerical support, cleaning equipment, stocking supplies or assisting with specialized programs such as spiritual care, canine therapy, piano playing and creating handmade items for patient support. Roles vary by site and availability.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, including students, part-time workers, retirees and seniors. Applicants must:

• Be at least 15 years old
• Speak, read and write English
• Commit to 2-4 hours per week (depending on volunteer age and position)
• Complete a minimum of six (6) months and 100 service hours

All volunteers are required to complete a minimum of six (6) months and 100 service hours. If you are unable to meet this commitment, we encourage you to explore other volunteer opportunities.

All volunteer roles require a minimum commitment of six (6) months and 100 hours.

Volunteers are actively involved in day-to-day support roles. Shadowing, observation, internships and externships are not offered.

Please apply to one site only, based on your top choice and proximity. Submitting multiple applications may result in applications being declined.

South Region Hospitals (Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista):

• Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis
• Orientations are held throughout the year

North Region Hospitals (Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Scripps Green Hospital and Clinics):

• Applications reviewed twice a year

Orientation Periods:

• Spring (May): Applications open the first business day of April
• Fall (November): Applications open the first business day of October

Applications submitted outside these timeframes will not be reviewed.

Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, not all applicants will be selected for an interview or offered a volunteer position. We will contact only those applicants whose qualifications best match the current needs of the organization.

Both handlers and dogs must meet specific requirements:

Dog requirements:

• Training: A Canine Good Citizen Certificate is required.
• Breed restrictions: Wolf hybrids, Pit Bull Terrier breeds or mixes of these breeds are not eligible.
• Temperament: Your dog must be friendly and enjoy interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Age and health: Dogs must be at least 1-year-old, current on vaccinations and have negative annual fecal exams.
• Behavior evaluation: You and your dog must pass an evaluation conducted by the Scripps Canine Therapy Advisor.

Handler requirements:

• You must be 18 years or older.
• Be able to commit to a weekly 1-2-hour volunteer shift
• Complete the onboarding process for all Scripps volunteers

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Email caninetherapy@scrippshealth.org with:

• Your dog’s name, age, and breed.
• A copy of your dog’s Canine Good Citizen Certificate.

2. Wait for the program team to reply with additional details and schedule your evaluation.

3. Complete the evaluation and onboarding process.

Volunteers must commit to a weekly shift of 1-2 hours, depending on their dog’s stamina and ability to engage during visits.

Patients at Scripps Health who would like a visit from a therapy dog can ask their nurse or caregiver to request one. Therapy dog visits aim to brighten patients' days and provide comfort during their hospital stay.

For more information, email caninetherapy@scrippshealth.org.

The onboarding process may take approximately 6-8 weeks from the time your application is submitted.

Accepted volunteers must provide documentation (including name and date of birth) for all required immunizations:

• Varicella (2 doses or positive titer)
• MMR (2 doses or positive titer)
• Adult Tdap
• QuantiFERON TB blood test (provided by Scripps Employee Health)

Volunteers must wear a royal blue Scripps volunteer smock or polo ($25). Volunteers provide the remaining uniform items.

Uniform guidelines:

• Pants or skirts — color expectation vary by site (no jeans, shorts, leggings or athletic wear)
• Closed toe, non-slip shoes — color expectation vary by siteID badge worn above the waist and visible at all times
• No fragrances
• Jewelry, tattoos and piercings must be minimal and tasteful
• A neat professional appearance is always required.

Volunteers select a regular weekly shift and are expected to commit to that schedule. Drop-in or on-call volunteering is not available.

Volunteers are not permitted to perform any clinical tasks regardless of certifications or licenses. Individuals with medical credentials will be placed in non-clinical areas.

Upon request, we can provide a letter of verification after completing 100 hours of service. 

While volunteering offers valuable experience and insight into Scripps Health, it does not guarantee or improve employment opportunities. Volunteers must complete the same hiring process as all job applicants.