Visiting With Your Therapy Dog
As a volunteer therapy dog team, your visits will benefit more people than you might
expect!
As a volunteer therapy dog team, your visits will benefit more people than you might
expect!
- Patients: Therapy dog programs offer facilities and professionals an alternative
"therapy". An appropriate dog, skilled handler, and knowledgeable staff person can
reach a very broad range of patients or clients.
- Your Dog! Every dog needs a job. When you visit with your dog, he has quality
time with you. During visits, your dog is the focus of attention! A great therapy
dog is the model of a well-trained companion, which, in turn, promotes dog
training. How many volunteer therapy dog teams have heard the statement, “I
wish my dog behaved like that.” What a compliment! This statement is an
opportunity to educate people about training.
- You, the Handler: Volunteer therapy dog teams make important contributions to
people's overall quality of life. As a handler, you have the opportunity to socialize
and meet new people and learn new personal growth skills. Visiting with a dog
makes it easier for most volunteers to approach unfamiliar people in awkward
circumstances.
- Facilities/Organizations You Visit: Facilities and organizations with well-
developed, professional pet therapy programs have opportunities for free publicity
and positive press! Outgoing, enthusiastic, well-trained volunteers who engage
patients and their families during visits are essential. Regular visits by volunteer
therapy dog teams is even a draw for new patients/residents/clients!
- Staff: Not only do therapy dogs lift the mood of staff, they also show both staff
and the general public how they can be valuable partners. Therapy dogs are in a
highly visible position to highlight their skills and abilities & valuable contribution
to quality of life.
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| Compassionate Canines, Incorporated |
| a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization |