I would like to be able to take my dog to visit children's hospitals, senior homes, etc. I know there are dogs that do this...visit and just make people feel good. I have no idea however how to go about being able to do this. Is there a certification needed and how do I find out if I can go to the hospitals, homes, etc.?
2006-09-18 15:36:16 · 10 answers · asked by jen52978 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You need to check your phone group and find a pet therapy group in your area. Yes, therapy dogs do need to be certified - they have to pass tests to determine the dog's suitability and they get things like photo I.D.
2006-09-18 16:12:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister-in-law just trained her dog for this this summer. Yes, there are classes and certifications to determine that the dog is fit and has the temperament to deal with people. However, she takes him to senior homes only. I don't know about children's hospitals, there may be a problem do the sanitation and germs.
2006-09-18 22:39:44 · answer #2 · answered by kny390 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off your dog has to be up to date on all shots, have a good temperament(maybe obedience classes) and then it shouldn't be hard. You should talk to your local animal shelter about this, veterinarian, and then you could contact the hospitals, rest homes, etc to see if that would be okay.This is the best advice on that i can give,I hope it helps and works for you. That service is a very rewarding one, I bet your dog is great.Good luck!
2006-09-18 22:40:27 · answer #3 · answered by daddysgirl92280 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You generally need to have your dog certified to do this. There are several orgs that do this, call some of your local training clubs to find out about classes.
2006-09-18 22:56:59 · answer #4 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a copy of your dogs shot record and take it with you to the hospital/home to chat with the administrator (or call them). Your dog has to be VERY mild mannered, clean and mature... not to mention non-biting!
2006-09-19 13:22:49 · answer #5 · answered by MadMaxx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you might have to get some certain training done first, and then with proof that he/she is trained, contact any hospital about it, and see what they say. but i'm not totally sure abt this so don't totally rely on me!!! but this is just my best guess! and i think ur a very caring person to think of doing sumthn very humane like this. i wish you the very best luck!!!
2006-09-18 22:55:47 · answer #6 · answered by MiKKi ~:B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would contact my local hospital. Ours has a volunteer section on their website with people you can contact. I would e-mail or call them and ask.
2006-09-18 22:39:14 · answer #7 · answered by rainchaser77 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I AM ALMOST SURE YOU NEED A CERTIFICAT TO DO THIS. TRY CALLING A CHILDRESN HOSPITAL AND ASKING THEM AND SENIOR HOMES TO ASK AND FIND OUT.
2006-09-18 22:39:10 · answer #8 · answered by girlie1921 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
contact hospital and get a counselor- they will probably send you to the cancer section...
2006-09-18 22:43:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you need to get your pet certified. ask your local veterinarian where to go.
2006-09-18 22:59:01 · answer #10 · answered by vt_mtn_woman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋