You are on a great path for you and your dog to become a therapy dog team.
Here are some more references and resources for you to look over. Never give up! You can do it!
TRUE - Dogs visiting any medical setting are expected to be clean and at the top of the doggie health scale. Many hospitals, in fact, require the dog to be bathed a day or two before their visit. This is based on recommendations from the American Association of Infection Control.
False - DO NOT visit if your dog is not in their best health! Not only does that stress the dog, and possibly make him sicker, there is always the chance that the dog may cause people to become ill. Not many, but a few, dog illnesses can be transferred to humans.
False - Particularly in these “covid times” please NEVER visit if you are sick. Those you would have visited will thank you.
True - Yes, always let your dog eliminate prior to a visit. They get excited and possibly a bit stressed during the visit, so don’t take a chance on an accident or stressing out your dog who may need to potty. Take supplies for clean-up.
False - Therapy dog associations and certification provide insurance as part of the certification process. Many organizations that invite therapy dogs to visit operate on the assurance of that insurance. One caveat of the insurance coverage is that you are covered by the insurance ONLY when the visit is a sanctioned visit by the facility.
False - It’s suggested NOT TO feed dog a full meal just prior to a visit. Dogs can become sick if stressed or if they eat too much. An “accident” is more likely to happen also. So be on the safe side and feed a part of the meal or feed a few hours before the visit.
False - Medical facilities have VERY STRICT rules about confidentiality. NEVER tell anyone that you saw someone at the facility unless that person specifically says to tell someone specific. Err on the side of keeping quiet.
False - Even if you are skilled and helping others in and out of bed is your daily work, when you are in the role of a volunteer you are NEVER to assist those you visit. Always get someone from the facility to assist them.
False - NEVER let someone feed your dog during a therapy dog visit. Accidents can happen, and dogs will be dogs, even the gentlest and best behaved may act unexpectedly.
True - Carry your therapy dog certification card with you at all times when making visits. It doesn’t need to be on your person, but you need to be able to access it upon request. Many therapy dog certifying organizations require the dog also wear some identification of their TD status.
