1. health and fitness
2. therapy

Therapy Dogs Inc. Prospective Member Presentation 2015 ©
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Therapy Dogs Incorporated
Prospective Member Presentation
Welcome to the world of pet therapy,
one of the most rewarding activities
you can do with your special dog.
You are viewing a presentation that
will introduce you to our
organization, Therapy Dogs
Incorporated, and explain the
process for you to become a
registered member with your dog.
All materials in this presentation are copyrighted and/or
registered and may not be reproduced.
Therapy Dogs Inc. Prospective Member Presentation 2015 ©
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What Is Pet Therapy?
Pet therapy activities include:
Visiting schools, hospitals, nursing
homes, libraries and any facilities where
interaction(s) with dogs would benefit
people
Petting, brushing, or just looking at the
dog
With permission, carefully placing small
dogs on a person’s lap or on the bed
Doing simple tricks or obedience routines
to entertain and to help people take their
minds off their problems
Walking alongside the dog and owner, or
throwing toys for fetching games
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Therapy Fun
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Would My Dog Make a Therapy Dog?
Characteristics of a good therapy dog:
Is at least one year old
Remains calm around distractions and
other dogs
Enjoys interaction with people
Allows strangers to pet him
Is at ease around medical equipment
such as wheelchairs, walkers and
canes
Listens to his handler
Therapy Dogs Inc. Prospective Member Presentation 2015 ©
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Distinction Of Therapy Dogs From Assistance Dogs
Therapy dogs provide a
therapeutic benefit to the general
public. They are not eligible for
public access rights.
Assistance dogs give direct
assistance to the disabled. They
allow their owners to function
independently and are recognized
by the Americans with Disabilities
Act, which gives them public
access rights.
Handlers shall not misrepresent
Therapy Dogs Inc. registered dogs
as assistance dogs unless the
animal assists the handler as
defined in the Americans With
Disabilities Act.
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How Do I Get Involved?
Contact the Therapy Dogs Inc. office toll free 877-843-7364
www.therapydogs.com to find a tester/observer (T/O) near you.
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Does A Therapy Dog Have To Be A Purebred?
No, any dog of any size, breed or mix
of breeds with the right temperament
and good manners can be a therapy
dog.
For insurance reasons, Therapy Dogs
Inc. cannot register wolves or wolfhybrids, coyotes or coyote-hybrids.
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What Is Required Of The Handler?
If you become a registered therapy team, you must agree to:
Make a minimum of 1 visit
every 3 months
Follow all Therapy Dogs Inc.
Rules and Regulations
Carry your current Therapy
Dogs Inc. membership card
and your dog’s vaccination
records on all visits when
representing Therapy Dogs
Inc.
Take your dog to a
veterinarian every year for
physical and fecal exams
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What is the Testing Process?
The prospective member contacts a T/O to arrange a Therapy Dogs Inc.
test.
A T/O must offer the test within 3 months of being contacted.
The T/O must perform the handling portion of the test prior to allowing the
teams in a facility.
Once a team passes the handling portion of the test, they must pass three
successful observations in the field. Two out of three of these must be in a
medical facility.
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What To Bring To The Test And Observations?
Proof of annual report of rabies or
titer levels of 0.5 IU or higher are
acceptable.
Proof of negative fecal exam
4 foot or shorter leash (no flexi,
chain, elastic or bungee leads)
Therapy Dogs Inc. approved collar
such as: buckle, slip, martingale,
etc. (no electronic or prong collars)
Pick up bags, water, a towel in case
of muddy feet
No treats allowed during the
handling portion of the test. Treats
are allowed during the observations
Clean, casual attire (no skimpy,
tight-fitting clothing, or shoes
without backs)
Therapy Dogs Inc. Prospective Member Presentation 2015 ©
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What Happens After We Pass?
The T/O explains the application process and reviews the rules.
The handler is responsible for sending in to the corporate office the
completed paperwork which includes the application, test, release of
claims, proof of rabies and proof of negative fecal exam within the last
12 months.
As soon as the team receives the official membership packet from
Therapy Dogs Inc. including membership card, red heart-shaped
therapy tag, and Member Handbook, the team may begin visiting!
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The following items are required to be returned for Therapy Dogs Inc. membership
Current year completed application form
Signed prospective member release of claims form
Proof of current rabies vaccination or a current titer
level of >0.5 IU
Completed Therapy Dogs Inc. test form
Appropriate fees
The forms may be found on the Therapy Dogs Inc.
website
https://therapydogs.com/Public/BecomeAMember.aspx
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Special Permission Fun
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Why Should I Register My Dog With Therapy Dogs Inc.?
Registration proves to the
administration of a facility that
you and your dog have been
tested and are covered by
Therapy Dogs Inc.’s liability
insurance.
This insurance covers people you
visit in the event of injury or
illness as a result of contact with
your dog. It does not cover you
or your dog from injury or illness
as a result of your participation in
this program.
Therapy Dogs Inc. insurance
covers you as long as you are
working as a volunteer and are
following all organizational rules.
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More Therapy Fun
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Conclusion
Thank you for your interest in pet therapy and for viewing our presentation. We
hope you have found answers to your questions and that you will be joining us
in our mission to bring smiles and joy to people through sharing your special
dogs.
For more information about membership or
testing, please contact the Therapy Dogs Inc.
Office:
Toll free 877-843-7364
[email protected]
Or visit the Therapy Dogs Inc. web site at
www.therapydogs.com
View and print out an application, the test and other important
membership documents at
https://therapydogs.com/Public/BecomeAMember.aspx.
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