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Therapy Dog Information
____________________________________________________________________ Both of my dogs are certified therapy dogs with Therapy Dogs International, INC. (TDI). I volunteer at The Colonnade and The Frederick Mennonite Community twice a week with my dogs. This has been one of the best things I have done for my dogs and myself.
I have met so many great people and they love seeing the dogs. Many of the patients are waiting to see my dogs when we walk in the building. I feel like I am making a difference in these people’s lives. I know my life has been better since I starting volunteering with TDI.
Also I feel my dogs benefit from the program too. This has been an excellent way to provide regular socialization, training and enrichment for them. I highly recommend this program to anyone that wants to share their dogs and their time to make a difference in other people’s lives.
Therapy Dogs International, INC. (TDI) is a volunteer organization of owners and their dogs for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and schools or wherever therapy dogs may be needed.
The program is open to all breeds of friendly dogs over the age of one year. A Therapy Dog must have an outstanding temperament. The dog should be outgoing and friendly to all people; men, women, and children.
The dog should be tolerant of other dogs (of both genders) and non- aggressive toward other pets. The dog should also have good obedience skills.
To become a Therapy Dog, your dog must pass the Therapy Dog Test which is the CGC test with additional testing around different types of medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers and crutches. Once you have passed the test you will be required to have a health certificate signed by a veterinarian.
Then the completed paperwork with a $30 fee is required for registration. This provides liability insurance for your visits to the different facilities.
Once you are registered with TDI you will receive a membership packet with everything you need to start making visits. Next you will need to contact the facilities to arrange for the visits. Then you can start making your therapy visits.
If this sounds like something you might be interested in go to Therapy Dogs International for additional information.