Therapy dogs come in all sizes, shapes, breeds, ages, gender. Knowing this, how do you determine the qualities needed for a successful career as a therapy dog? After all, each person visited will have different preferences. One person may be frightened of large dogs but quickly reach for that tiny Shih Tzu. Another person may find a huge lug of a dog much easier to hug. A hyper-active child will need a very calm dog that he can lie next to on the floor.

Even the geriatric dog can find a place in therapy work. After all, some senior citizens will certainly be able to identify better with a slow-moving, gray-muzzled, slightly arthritic dog. And, just think what the courage exhibited by a three-legged dog can teach a paraplegic or someone struggling with a terminal illness. The major ingredients for these situations are personality and temperament.

Every therapy dog must be even-tempered, good-natured,
and able to accept handling by strangers.

Preliminary Evaluation

Is your dog happy to be around people? Is this exhibited through expressive body language such as a wiggling body, wagging tail or “smiling face”?
If you answered yes to the questions above, your dog has passed the first test. Those two questions are essential and must receive an enthusiastic YES!!!

If you and your dog would like to join us in this very rewarding project the first step is to complete the on-line application (below) and meet with us for an evaluation of your "team". During the evaluation we will determine if your dog needs additional training and if it is suited for Therapy work. To set up an evaluation or for additional information, please contact us at:

pawsoflove@pathwaystohope.org

To get things started, please complete our on-line application

Therapy Dog Prep School

Most therapy dogs are personal pets, who accompany their owners to a variety of facilities such as skilled nursing homes or hospitals. Many therapy dog visits require very simple skills from the dog. The dog doesn't have to know a lot of commands or perform tricks. A dog that lies quietly on a bed beside a patient can lower that person's blood pressure and reduce the sensation of pain. In some settings, soft warm eyes gazing up at a person are all it takes to work magic. Volunteering with your dog can be a family project too!

Our fun but serious 6-week course includes activities which will prepare both you and your dog for involvement with animal-assisted therapy programs. This class is designed as a preparatory to certify your team as a Therapy Dog.
Our goal is to give both handler and dog the tools to become effective therapy teams and to be better prepared for test conducted at the end of the course.

We spend time in each class in helping you identify the best therapy program for your needs then guide you in this process.

Prep School Details

Prerequisites

• Handler must complete the Therapy Dog Prep School or have equivalent experiences approved by the Review Panel. • Handler must complete an application and be approved by the Reviewing Panel.
• Dog and Handler must successfully pass the Team Evaluation.
• Must be interested in and available to volunteer at least once a month.
• Handler must participate in at least one observation visit, with or without dog, at the discretion of the Team Leader.
• Minimum age of handler is 18 years old.

The goals of our Program are:

• ...to work in partnership with professionals in goal-directed therapy using the dog as a tool.
• ...to bring the unconditional love of animals to people in need.
• ...to provide clients with an enjoyable, normalizing experience to help them cope with their current situations.
• ...to use the interactions with the dogs as a diversion from self, disease, and/or pain.
• ...to provide a safe stimulus that encourages clients to practice designated physical tasks.

Maintaining Registration

• Sign in with Paws Of Love representative upon arrival at the site the team is visiting.
• Complete a minimum of 24 hours volunteer time annually (includes travel time).
• Agree to use the Paws Of Love Therapy Dog vest on your dog ONLY during organized visits.
• Certification is effective for 1 year (if the team meets all program requirements and remains active with the program).
• All requirements must be met for recertification annually.

Application Process & Registration

• Submit Application to Paws Of Love
• Receive approval and rating from the Reviewing Panel.
• Receive and review handbook & review and sign registration agreement.
• Successfully complete a veterinary check or provide “well dog” and shot records.
• Successfully complete training class & AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
• Complete site specific clearances as required by individual sites.

Dog Requirements:

• Pass a physical examination upon entry into the program and annually thereafter.
• Be free from parasites (internally and externally).
• Not have any open sores.
• Be bathed within a minimum of 3 days prior to a visit or at the discretion of the Team Leader.
• Be brushed the day of a visit.
• Successfully pass the POL annual Team Evaluation.

• Membership: $50 (Paid after team is evaluated and accepted)

The Therapy Dog Program is currently only in the Orange and Riverside county areas of California...

Welcome and thank you for your interest in volunteering with your dog in our therapy program. The program was established to provide comfort, company and assistance for those in healthcare and education facilities throughout the community.
Seeing your dog change lives while working beside you will be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life and will be something that you and your dog will eagerly anticipate.

We believe that life is more precious when trust, unconditional love and respect exist as the primary bond between animals and people.