Therapy Dog Certification

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DO YOU WANT TO DO VOLUNTEER WORK WITH YOUR DOG?

 

​Become a volunteer and help bring comfort, joy and companionship to patients at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and long-term care here in Vernon. 

 

By petting, showing affection, and visiting, many individuals experience physical and emotional benefits from the unconditional love of a dog, while volunteers enjoy a fulfilling and distinctive experience.

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The Therapy Dog program offers individuals the chance to:

• Engage in conversation with the volunteer and the dog

• Feel, touch, pet, and cuddle the dog

• Receive unconditional affection from the dog

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS - FOR HANDLERS

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**You must be 18 years or older

**Willing to commit to the program for at least one year, for twice-a-month visits

**Submit to a full criminal record check (Free of charge)

**Participate in an in-person interview and orientation 

**Do online learning modules

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS - FOR DOGS

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**Minimum 2 years of age (Some exceptions will be given)

**Dog must have all vaccines up to date (Titre testing accepted)

**Not fed a raw diet

**Does not growl at other dogs or people

**Does not jump on people

**Do not relieve themselves indoors (even submissive peeing)

**Must respond to basic commands and be well socialized  (sit, down, and be able to walk at the handler's side on a loose lead)

**Good grooming and cleanliness

**Have annual veterinarian visits

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WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN OUR EVALUATIONS: 

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During the Therapy Dog Program evaluation, handlers and their dogs will be exposed to various scenarios, stressors, and challenges designed to simulate a visit to a healthcare facility. This will assess the dog’s temperament, sociability, willingness to do commands and ability to follow the handler’s guidance. Additionally, the dog will be evaluated for cleanliness and grooming standards.

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Key characteristics of a suitable Therapy Dog Team include:

• Responses that are neither fearful nor aggressive

• Friendliness toward other dogs and strangers

• Safe and manageable control by the handler

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An ideal therapy dog seeks attention calmly and gently. The dog should not display signs of rejection or become overly energetic or dominant in its behaviour. It must always be leashed and under the handler’s control.

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DISCLOSURE NOTICE:

Dogs that exhibit any signs of aggression (for any reason)

will be disqualified and immediately removed from the evaluation.

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WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVALUATION:

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1. Greeting the evaluator

2. Politely accepts petting (by one and multiple people)

3. Politely takes treat

4. Walking politely on a loose leash

5. Responds to sit, down and come commands​

6. Able to get the dog to go from excitement to calm with a command

7. Walking toward and through a crowd

8. Handler meeting another handler with dog

9. Meeting different people (People with mobility aids and different personalities)

10. Meeting someone in a wheelchair

11. Accepting a treat from someone in a wheelchair, while the handler assists

12. ​Waiting to walk through thresholds

13. Supervised Separation- 2 minutes

14. Grooming and Appearance

15. Takes stressors in stride and can recover quickly

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PATH TO THERAPY DOG CERTIFICATION- REQUIREMENTS AND STEPS:

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1. Review the information provided above. If you believe this would be a good fit for BOTH you and your dog, click the "Book Now" button below.

2. Create a profile for both you and your dog.

3. Sign up for the Therapy Dog Evaluation, complete all required questions and sign the waiver.

4. You will receive additional information about what to expect for the evaluation, along with a link to the application process through Interior Health. (This will include a full criminal record check.)

5. Complete onboarding training through Interior Health, tour the facilities and have ID badges made for both you and your dog.

6. You will need to complete BOTH the Certification Test through The Ruff Life and be accepted and complete the acceptance process with Interior Health. 

7. When you have passed both ends of the certification process, you will receive a certificate & clothing that identifies your dog as a therapy dog. (clothing item to be determined).

 

⚠️The Ruff Life Therapy dogs are NOT Service Dogs. Therapy dogs are NOT granted the same public access rights as Service Dogs and may be refused entry to some public locations. Dogs registered with The Ruff Life do not have any special rights beyond those specifically permitted by Interior Health. ⚠️

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TENTATIVE DATE: Sunday. April. 27

COST: $80 +Tax ($84)

 

**The Therapy Dog Certification test can be found under the "New Group Class Reservation" button. 

 

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