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Therapist and provides interactive, stimulating activity that has been shown to get a response from patients who are withdrawn or have limited abilities.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:

• Quiet
• Friendly
• Calm
• Playful

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.