Therapeutic Dog Program
The Therapeutic Dog Visitation program involves volunteers bringing their dog to visit patients residing in the hospital. This program is co-facilitated with the Recreation Therapist and provides interactive, stimulating activity that has been shown to get a response from patients who are withdrawn or have limited abilities. Therapy dogs provide an opportunity for patients to give and receive physical touch, display affection, and increase positive emotion.
Requirements & Desirable Characteristics of the Handler:
- Minimum age requirement: 18 years and older
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Punctual, warm and caring, cheerful, patient and friendly
- Interested in working with older adults
- Ability to respect the privacy and feelings of others
- Be a good listener
- Ability to initiate a conversation
- Successful competition of a Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance
- TB Skin Test
- Successful completion of RLMCMH screening appointment (volunteer and their dog will be evaluated by Hospital Staff to determine suitability for the program)
Requirements & Desirable Characteristics of the Dog:
Your dog should be tolerable to:
- Strangers
- Other dogs
- Fast movements
- Strange objects
- Children
- Loud noises
- Slippery surfaces
Dog’s with the following temperaments are appropriate for this program:
The following core vaccinations for your dog are required:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Rabies
- Canine Hepatitis
Commitment
- Volunteers are asked to make regularly scheduled weekly or bi-weekly visits at a specified time for approximately one hour which will be tracked through a sign in & out sheet.