Qualifications for Alliance Of Therapy Dogs begin with a friendly dog, any breed or mix, and an owner/handler who has a desire to share it with those who are no longer able to own a pet, or are in a health facility separated or away from their pets. Dogs must be at least one year of age to be tested and observed, and the owner/handler must of owned or known the dog for 6 months.
Our process begins with a test done by one of our Tester/Observers in your area. This test includes a handling portion which tests your dog’s basic good manners and your handling skills. If you and your dog pass, you move to the next step of interacting with residents or strangers on three supervised visits. We can require a 4th observation.
The following items are things you will want to bring with you to your initial test that you have scheduled with the Tester/Observer:
- ATD Member Application
- Release of Claims Form
- Current year ATD Test
- Test Evaluation Form
- Required for testing – copy of proof of rabies vaccination
- Required for testing- proof of negative fecal exam done within the last 12 months
- (signed & dated ‘VETERINARIAN OR CLINIC’ section on application or written proof)
- 4′ or shorter leash and ATD approved collar
- Water for dog (available)
- Bag for clean-up (available)
- Paper towels (available)
Upon successful completion, the following must be submitted for review and processing for membership:
- Your original completed ATD Test
- ATD Member Application
- Test Evaluation Form
- Release of Claims Form
- Correct membership fees
- Copy of proof of rabies vaccination
All of these items must be completed and returned together to the corporate office in order to process your membership application in a timely manner.
Please review the following ATD documents so you understand what is required as a pet therapy team registered with ATD. Once you finish the observations, you have to wait to go on any visits until you get your packet from Alliance of Therapy Dogs. The red heart tag must be on the collar, leash or harness on all visits. It can not be on the dog anywhere else you go. You must also have a current ID card with you on visits.
Thank you for your interest in membership with Alliance Of Therapy Dogs and Paws 2 Care, a local Upstate SC group.