Therapy Animal Program
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO US?
A big part of our mission is improving the mental health and well-being of those who adopt from us. The human-animal bond can help with this in many ways so by offering this additional program we are giving our adopters the opportunity to strengthen their bond with their pets even further and see additional benefits of the animal’s healing power.
Benefits to the owner/handler
· Improved social connections
· Enhanced emotional health
· Gain a new perspective
· More confidence
· Ease loneliness
· Encourages physical fitness
· Gives more sense of a purpose
· Overcome trauma
· More compassion and feelings of love
· Reduced depression
· Lowered anxiety
· Decreased heart rate
WHAT IS A THERAPY ANIMAL?
The recent popularity of emotional support animals has sparked both confusion and controversy in regards to assistance animals. While they all are important and service their own purposes, we specifically provide assistance in helping our adopted dogs get certified as Therapy Animals. Unlike service and emotional support animals, therapy animals provide support and comfort to multiple people rather than just one. These animals go through testing, get certified and then are welcome to visit hospitals, schools, retirement homes, rehab centers and anywhere else that utilizes Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Animal Assisted Activities (AAA).
As defined by Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and CFR Part 382; AVMA, “A therapy animal is a type of animal-assisted intervention in which there is a “goal directed intervention in which an animal meeting specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. Animal-assisted therapy is provided in a variety of settings, and may be group or individual in nature.”
Research studies confirm that AAA/AAT can play an important role in the physical and emotional well-being of many people. Among the many benefits are:
Benefits to those receiving AAT or AAA
Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
Positive brain development and improvement in motor behaviors
Raises self-esteem and confidence
Increases emotion health and mental well-being
Bringing laughter, joy, and a sense of calmness
Reduced anxiety and stress levels
Taking a person’s mind off of personal problems and pain by drawing attention to the animal
Giving people a chance to communicate and socialize with others
MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS OF A THERAPY DOG and handler team
· Must be one year of age and have lived with the owner/handler for at least six months.
· Must have negative fecal test every 12 months and be well groomed.
· A strong bond with its owner/handler – therapy dogs do not need to know tricks, but they do need to listen to their handlers at all times.
· Calm and good at socializing - the dog must be good with strangers petting them, good at socializing with other dogs, and not startled easily.
· Dog CANNOT jump up, paw, bite, snap, mouth, lick, pull on the leash, or bark.
· A handler that will not misrepresent the dog as a service or assistance animal to gain legal assess rights of these animals.
· The handler must be able to read the body language of the animal and know when it’s feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
· Handler should have positive interactions without raising voice or jerking the leash.
· Handler can effectively cue and redirect the animal.
· The handler can handle casual conversations while still keeping a focus on the animal.
· A handler that will advocate the safety and wellbeing of the animal at all times.