therapy dogs inc. prospective member presentation 2015 ©1

1Therapy 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


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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.


http://www.therapydogs.com/

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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 wolf-hybrids, 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)


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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

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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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.

Conclusion


For more information about membership or testing, please contact the Therapy Dogs Inc. Office:

Toll free [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.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.therapydogs.com/

https://therapydogs.com/Public/BecomeAMember.aspx

therapy dogs inc. prospective member presentation 2015 ©1

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