2Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2013© We hope this will be a helpful tool to make your visits safe and fun for both you and your special dog. As a TDInc

2Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2013©

We hope this will be a helpful tool to make your visits safe and fun for both you and your special dog.

As a TDInc. member, it is your responsibility to read the current handbook and be aware of all changes and updates in order for TDInc. insurance to be effective and to cover you while visiting.

All materials in this presentation are copyrighted and/or registered and may not be reproduced.

Welcome To The Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation

3Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2013 ©

Therapy Dogs Inc.Mission Statement

It is the goal of Therapy Dogs Inc. to provide registration, support, and insurance for members who are involved in volunteer animal assisted activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, visits to hospitals, special needs centers, schools, and nursing homes. Our objective is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special animals in order to bring happiness and cheer to people, young and old alike.

Jane Hirsch TDInc. President, With Will and Ben, Australian

Shepherds Will is a registered therapy dog


Teams might visit schools, hospitals, nursing homes, libraries and any facilities where interaction(s) with dogs would benefit people.

People may pet, brush, or just look at the dog.

With permission, small dogs may be carefully placed on a person’s lap or on the bed.

Some dogs do 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 provide therapeutic contact.

Pet Therapy Activities Include:


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 TDInc. registered dogs as assistance dogs unless the animal assists the handler as defined in the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Distinction Of Therapy Dogs From Assistance Dogs


Common Misunderstandings

We are Therapy Dogs Incorporated, TDInc. (not TDI).

Dogs are registered with TDInc. They are not certified.


Updates and needed adjustments are made to the Member and T/O Handbooks so that TDInc. will continue to be the best it can be, meeting the challenges of our steady growth from year to year.

Adjustments to these handbooks are made only after consideration on the impact, safety and benefit to the organization and its members.

Please take a few moments to review and understand these changes when you receive your new Member Handbook each year.

TDInc. Handbooks

I don’t understand this Guideline change……Can you explain it please?

Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2013 © 8

What Does TDInc. Insurance Cover?

The policy provides coverage for injury or illness to other people and property damage that might occur as a result of therapeutic visitation with your dog. It does not provide coverage for injury to you or injury to your dog as a result of participation.Teams are not covered by TDInc. insurance while the handler is at work. Teams are only covered when they are volunteering. As a TDInc. member, it is your responsibility to read the current handbook and be aware of all changes and updates in order for TDInc. insurance to be effective and to cover you while visiting.


Make a minimum of 1 visit every 3 months.Take their dog to a veterinarian for annual physical exam including a fecal examDress appropriately for all visits including sensible, safe walking shoesRetire their dogs when they show signs of physical and or mental distress during visits Only use equipment accepted by TDInc. Adhere to all safety rules and regulations in each facilityObserve all rules of privacy and confidentiality as required by HIPAAFollow all TDInc. rules and regulations—from the time a team arrives in the parking lot of a facility until they leave the property

Members Must Agree To


Be at least one year of ageHave good manners

Walk nicely by the handler’s side on a loose leash that is 4 feet or shorter in lengthShow no aggression to other dogs or to people

Enjoy interacting with people

Be clean and well groomedBe current on all vaccinations, specifically rabies and any others as advised by their veterinarianWear the official red heart-shaped TDInc. identification tag when representing TDInc. on visits and events

Requirements For Dogs


When Teams Should Not Visit

If the handler or dog is sick

If the dog has fresh wounds or recent surgery

If the handler has any condition which might inhibit the ability to handle the dog safely

If a bitch is in season

If a bitch has had puppies within the last 8 weeks


Your Dog’s Safety Is Your #1 Priority!!!!

Never put yourself or your dog in a questionable or threatening situation.Never force your dog to interact with a patient or any patient to interact with your dog. Visits should be a pleasant experience for you, your dog, and those we visit.Never leave your dog alone with staff, patients, or visitors. Keep your dog well hydrated. A folding fabric or plastic bowl for water is perfect for taking along on visits.Be alert to signs of stress in your dog and yourself. Taking a few weeks off may be well deserved and make a difference in the quality of future visits.


Did You Know. . . TDInc. teams are not required to belong to a local group.

Local group or facility rules must not conflict with TDInc. rules.

Teams may not accept monetary payments—we are all volunteers.

Your visit begins when you reach the facility parking lot.

You need to use a photo authorization form when taking photos of patients or residents.

If safe conditions exist, dogs may be taken off leash when performing trick demonstrations, posing for photos, or assisting with physical therapy such as retrieving a ball using one dog at a time.


Special Situations Require An Exceptions Approval

Obtain appropriate information from the TDInc. office regarding exceptions.

For the use of special equipment or devices such as carts, dog wheelchairs, front pack dog carriers, etc.

If you or your dog develops a disability during your career as a TDInc. team

For handling more than one dog during public events

Examples of situations, but not limited to:

Dogs pulling carts

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More Exceptions Examples

Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2013 ©

Front Pack Dog Carrier

Dogs on a BraceHandicapped Dog

Wheelchair


Some Additional Reminders…

Always keep a watchful eye on your dog.Always keep your dog on a 4-foot or shorter leash and at least a distance of 2 feet from other dogs and animals.Teams must carry their current TDInc. membership cards and have proof of vaccinations available upon request.During all visits dogs must wear the TDInc. red heart-shaped tags.

The TDInc. name, logo or slogan may not be used without permission from the TDInc. President.Cell phone use is not allowed during TDInc. visits.You may not apply strong scents on yourself or your dog.Always clean up after your dog.

Be respectful of patients.


A Few More Helpful TipsAlways evaluate your dog’s health and attitude as well as your own prior to every visit.

Be certain of the areas where you and your dog are allowed and welcomed.

Stay alert to the surroundings at all times.

Be aware of pills, food or other items on the floors and in trash containers. It is a good practice to never allow your dog to pick up things from the floor of a facility.

Do not give food, water, or assistance to any patient or resident even if asked.

Obey all warning signs on room doors.

Always knock first and ask for permission to enter a room for a visit.

Never leave your dog alone with staff, patients, or visitors.


What If An Incident Or Accident Occurs During A TDInc. Visit?

Notify the facility supervisor in case of injury.

Fill out all required incident reports even if what happens seems insignificant.

Immediately notify the Therapy Dogs Inc. office.


How And When To Renew Your Membership

Prepare in advance by having the required paperwork:

Copy of your dog’s rabies vaccination certificate. If your dog has received a three year rabies vaccination, we still need a copy of the certificate every year.

Proof of your dog’s annual fecal exam with negative results. Have the fecal exam done early enough to get your results or to get treatment and retest if it is positive.


Renewal dates are January 1 or July 1. This means you should send your complete renewal package so it arrives at the office by these dates, not after.

Sign the bottom of your statement. If you are a T/O, you must sign on both lines.

Include a copy of rabies vaccination certificate and negative fecal results.

Return the complete renewal statement with appropriate fees. Do not tear off the top or the bottom of the renewal statement.

After You Have Received Your Renewal Statement:


Additional Renewal Notes

Make your check payable to TDInc. or put your credit card information in the space provided. All credit card information is deleted once your renewal is processed. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is not accepted.

You may fax renewal, rabies and fecal information to 307-638-2079 or scan and attach to an email if you are paying by credit card.

A check sent without the signed renewal statement,

proof of rabies and proof of negative fecal will be returned. All paperwork must be sent in at one time or it will be returned.


If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Therapy Dogs Inc. office.

1-877-843-7364 (Toll Free)1-307-432-0272 (Fax)[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



This presentation is intended to supplement the current written policies and regulations in your handbooks.

As a TDInc. member, it is your responsibility to read the current handbook and be aware of all changes and updates.

To volunteer as a pet therapy team is as rewarding for you and your dog as for those you visit.

Sharing Smiles and JoyTherapy Dogs Inc.

Documents

2Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2013© We hope this will be a helpful tool to make your visits safe and fun for both you and your special dog. As a TDInc