Volunteer + -

Volunteering at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is a rewarding way to make new friends and discover new interests. By working in different areas throughout the hospital, volunteers of all ages gain experience and knowledge. 

Our volunteers are truly part of the health care team and make a difference every day. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by patients and staff. They are included in hospital special events and are given a special reception during National Volunteer Week each year.

In addition to a general orientation, volunteers receive training in their chosen area:

• Welcome/Information Desk
• Physical Therapy
• SAU (Surgical Assessment Unit)
• Phase 2 (Day Surgery Unit/Phase II Recovery)
• Mail Room
• Priority Toyota Cancer Center
• Diagnostic and Breast Center (Jennings Outpatient Center)
• Radiology
• Cardiac Cath Lab
• Emergency Department
• Nursing Units
• Gift Shop
• Welcome Waggers (see below)
• Registration
• Knitters & Quilters

Additional special training may be provided in certain areas of the hospital. 

At Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, volunteer handlers and their certified therapy dogs are known as Welcome Waggers. The teams are available to provide companionship and help improve the emotional well-being of people throughout the hospital.

Chesapeake Regional has enjoyed the innovative benefits of pet therapy for nearly 20 years. Volunteers and their dogs, certified by Therapy Dogs International, make short, in-room visits to patients who would benefit from their company. Consult requests are simply entered into a patient’s electronic medical record. The dogs also visit nursing stations and waiting areas.

No matter their background, breed, size, shape or color, all of our Welcome Waggers perform an important role at Chesapeake Regional. Not only do they help the hospital improve patient satisfaction, but their unconditional love brings warmth and happiness to those who need it most.

Safety and sanitation requirements:
•    Therapy Dogs International certification for the current year
•    Updated pet vaccination record (use TDI form)
•    Owners need a recent Tuberculosis test (PPD), and a flu shot during the season

Welcome Waggers provide joy and fun, plus:
•    Positive, friendly experiences
•    A distraction for patients who are alone
•    A sense of unconditional love and acceptance
•    Comfort for patients who miss their pets
•    Enjoyment for visitors, clinical and non-clinical staff

How to join our team

Community members interested in volunteering as a pet therapy team must complete this application (choose Welcome Waggers as your first choice). For more information, call the Volunteer Office at 757-312-6109.
 

Interested in Becoming an Adult Volunteer?

Your commitment of time to our program is valuable. Our commitment to making your experience at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is important as well. For this reason, we ask that you commit to six months or a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service.

Please note, there are two separate pages you will be directed to.

Fill out an Application

Sign the Confidentiality Agreement

Thank you for your interest in the Chesapeake Regional Healthcare Hospital Summer Volunteer Program.

We would like to inform you that the application period for our Summer 2025 program is now closed, and we are no longer accepting new applications. Due to high demand, we have reached our maximum capacity for this year’s program.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and encourage you to consider applying again next year. In the meantime, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope to see your application in a future session.

Thank you again for your interest in volunteering with us!