THERAPY DOG PROGRAM
The program aims to provide support to individuals in various community settings through the presence of well-behaved, friendly dogs and their volunteer handlers. This program is intended to enhance the emotional well-being of participants by offering comfort and companionship through positive and safe interactions with our teams.
Therapy Dogs are so patient with all we ask of them!
Interacting with a Therapy dog can lessen the emotional weight that people experience. Dogs can not cure all, but they can certainly help lighten and lift the mindset of a person.
Temperament of Therapy Dog:
They must have a calm, friendly and patient temperament, much like a good therapist.
Therapy dogs must be well-socialized with both dogs and people and should be out-going without being “pushy”. They must be okay with people petting, hugging, and handling them in potentially clumsy or accidentally harsh ways. We visit nursing homes, hospitals, special care homes, schools and other community locations spreading our “love fibres” and “doggie sprinkles”; not just leaving fur behind!
To join our Therapy Dog Program: the dog must be at least 2 years old, have a Canine Good Neighbour Certificate and have a Vet’s Certificate that there are no health or temperament concerns. The Team must successfully complete the RVO Evaluation Process, including supervised visits.
Therapy dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds, but they all share a common purpose… to bring love and comfort to those they meet. Most of all, the dogs should show an enjoyment of this kind of interaction and experience and the desire to do this kind of work.
Therapy Dogs are so patient with all we ask of them!
Interacting with a Therapy dog can lessen the emotional weight that people experience. Dogs can not cure all, but they can certainly help lighten and lift the mindset of a person.
Temperament of Therapy Dog:
They must have a calm, friendly and patient temperament, much like a good therapist.
Therapy dogs must be well-socialized with both dogs and people and should be out-going without being “pushy”. They must be okay with people petting, hugging, and handling them in potentially clumsy or accidentally harsh ways. We visit nursing homes, hospitals, special care homes, schools and other community locations spreading our “love fibres” and “doggie sprinkles”; not just leaving fur behind!
To join our Therapy Dog Program: the dog must be at least 2 years old, have a Canine Good Neighbour Certificate and have a Vet’s Certificate that there are no health or temperament concerns. The Team must successfully complete the RVO Evaluation Process, including supervised visits.
Therapy dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds, but they all share a common purpose… to bring love and comfort to those they meet. Most of all, the dogs should show an enjoyment of this kind of interaction and experience and the desire to do this kind of work.