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bruce.binkley@icloud.com Slide 2 2 Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 We hope this will be a helpful tool to make your visits safe and fun for both you and your special dog. As a member of Therapy Dogs Inc., it is your responsibility to read the current handbook and be aware of all changes and updates in order for Therapy Dogs Inc. insurance to be effective and to cover you while visiting. All materials in this presentation are copyrighted and/or registered and may not be reproduced. Welcome To The Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation Slide 3 Therapy Dogs Inc. Mission Statement It is the purpose of Therapy Dogs Inc. to provide registration, support and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal assisted activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, visits to hospitals, special needs centers, schools, and nursing homes. Our objective is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special dogs in order to bring happiness and cheer to people, young and old alike. 3 Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Jane Hirsch Therapy Dogs Inc. President, With Will and Ben, Australian Shepherds Will is a registered therapy dog Slide 4 Teams might visit schools, hospitals, nursing homes, libraries and any facilities where interaction(s) with dogs would benefit people. People may pet, brush, or just look at the dog. With permission, small dogs may be carefully placed on a persons lap or on the bed. Some dogs do simple tricks or obedience routines to entertain and to help people take their minds off their problems. Walking alongside the dog and owner or throwing toys for fetching games provide therapeutic contact. 4Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Pet Therapy Activities Include: Slide 5 Therapy dogs provide a therapeutic benefit to the general public. They are not eligible for public access rights. Assistance dogs give direct assistance to the disabled. They allow their owners to function independently and are recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which gives them public access rights. Handlers shall not misrepresent Therapy Dogs Inc. registered dogs as assistance dogs unless the animal assists the handler as defined in the Americans With Disabilities Act. 5Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Distinction Of Therapy Dogs From Assistance Dogs Slide 6 Common Misunderstandings We are Therapy Dogs Incorporated (not TDI). Dogs are registered with Therapy Dogs Inc. They are not certified. 6Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Slide 7 Updates and needed adjustments are made to the Member and T/O Handbooks so that Therapy Dogs Inc. will continue to be the best it can be, meeting the challenges of our steady growth from year to year. Adjustments to these handbooks are made only after consideration on the impact, safety and benefit to the organization and its members. Please take a few moments to review and understand these changes when you receive your new Member Handbook each year. 7Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Therapy Dogs Inc. Handbooks I dont understand this Guideline change Can you explain it please? Slide 8 Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 20158 What Does Therapy Dogs Inc. Insurance Cover? The policy provides coverage for injury or illness to other people and property damage that might occur as a result of therapeutic visitation with your dog. It does not provide coverage for injury to you or injury to your dog as a result of participation. Teams are not covered by Therapy Dogs Inc. insurance while the handler is at work. Teams are only covered when they are volunteering. As a member of Therapy Dogs Inc. it is your responsibility to read the current handbook and be aware of all changes and updates in order for Therapy Dogs Inc. insurance to be effective and to cover you while visiting. Slide 9 Make a minimum of 1 visit every 3 months Take their dog to a veterinarian for annual physical exam including a fecal exam Dress appropriately for all visits including sensible, safe walking shoes Retire their dogs when they show signs of physical and or mental distress during visits Only use equipment accepted by Therapy Dogs Inc. Adhere to all safety rules and regulations in each facility Observe all rules of privacy and confidentiality as required by HIPAA Follow all Therapy Dogs Inc. rules and regulationsfrom the time a team arrives in the parking lot of a facility until they leave the property 9Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Members Must Agree To Slide 10 Be at least one year of age Have good manners Walk nicely by the handlers side on a loose leash that is 4 feet or shorter in length Show no aggression to other dogs or to people Enjoy interacting with people Be clean and well groomed Be current on all vaccinations, specifically rabies and any others as advised by their veterinarian Wear the official red heart-shaped identification tag when representing Therapy Dogs Inc. on visits and events 10Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Requirements For Dogs Slide 11 When Teams Should Not Visit If the handler or dog is sick If the dog has fresh wounds or recent surgery If the handler has any condition which might inhibit the ability to handle the dog safely If a bitch is in season If a bitch has had puppies within the last 8 weeks 11Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Slide 12 Your Dogs Safety Is Your #1 Priority!!!! 12Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Never put yourself or your dog in a questionable or threatening situation. Never force your dog to interact with a patient or any patient to interact with your dog. Visits should be a pleasant experience for you, your dog, and those we visit. Never leave your dog alone with staff, patients, or visitors. Keep your dog well hydrated. A folding fabric or plastic bowl for water is perfect for taking along on visits. Be alert to signs of stress in your dog and yourself. Taking a few weeks off may be well deserved and make a difference in the quality of future visits. Slide 13 Did You Know... Therapy Dogs Inc. teams are not required to belong to a local group. Local group or facility rules must not conflict with Therapy Dogs Inc. rules. Teams may not accept monetary paymentswe are all volunteers. Your visit begins when you reach the facility parking lot. You need to use a photo authorization form when taking photos of patients or residents. If safe conditions exist, one dog at a time may be taken off leash when performing trick demonstrations, or assisting with physical therapy such as retrieving a ball. Dogs must be on leash when posing for photos while on a visit. 13Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Slide 14 Special Situations Requiring Permission Obtain appropriate information from the Therapy Dogs Inc. office regarding special permissions. For the use of special equipment or devices such as carts, dog wheelchairs, front pack dog carriers, etc. For handling more than one dog during public events Examples of situations, but not limited to: 14Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Dogs pulling carts Slide 15 More Examples Requiring Special Permission 15 Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Front Pack Dog Carrier Dogs on a Brace Handicapped Dog Wheelchair Slide 16 Some Additional Reminders Always keep a watchful eye on your dog. Always keep your dog on a 4-foot or shorter leash and at least a distance of 2 feet from other dogs and animals. Teams must carry their current Therapy Dogs Inc. membership cards and have proof of vaccinations available upon request. During all visits dogs must wear the Therapy Dogs Inc. red heart-shaped tags. The Therapy Dogs Inc. name, logo or slogan may not be used without permission from the Therapy Dogs Inc. President. Cell phone use is not allowed during Therapy Dog Inc. visits. You may not apply strong scents on yourself or your dog. Always clean up after your dog. Be respectful of patients. 16Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Slide 17 A Few More Helpful Tips Always evaluate your dogs health and attitude as well as your own prior to every visit. Be certain of the areas where you and your dog are allowed and welcomed. Stay alert to the surroundings at all times. Be aware of pills, food or other items on the floors and in trash containers. It is a good practice to never allow your dog to pick up things from the floor of a facility. Do not give food, water, or assistance to any patient or resident even if asked. Obey all warning signs on room doors. Always knock first and ask for permission to enter a room for a visit. Never leave your dog alone with staff, patients, or visitors. 17Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Slide 18 What If An Incident Or Accident Occurs During A Therapy Dogs Inc. Visit? Notify the facility supervisor in case of injury. Fill out all required incident reports even if what happens seems insignificant. Immediately notify the Therapy Dogs Inc. office. 18Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Slide 19 How And When To Renew Your Membership Prepare in advance by having the required paperwork: Proof of a current rabies vaccination OR proof of titer levels > 0.5 IU within the last two years are acceptable. Have the fecal exam done early enough to get your results or to get treatment and retest if it is positive. Have the Vet sign the Renewal Health Verification form attesting health, rabies and fecal are up to date. 19Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 Electronic renewals will be sent out 60 days prior to renewal. Hard copy renewal notices should be received 30 days prior to your renewal date. Slide 20 Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 20 By Mail Renewal dates are January 1 or July 1. This means you should send your complete renewal package so it arrives at the office by these dates, not after. The Renewal Health Verification Form needs to be signed and completed by your veterinarian. Fees on the renewal form are for all members and dogs in the same household. If you are dropping a member or a dog, deduct $10 and note who it is you are not renewing. After You Have Received Your Renewal Statement: By Portal Go to www.tdincportal.com and renew online. Use your email address as your user name and your password (if you haven't already changed it) is your member number with a "p" in front of it. Print your renewal. Upload the completed Renewal Health Verification Form and save. Slide 21 Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 21 Additional Renewal Notes You can make your check payable to Therapy Dogs Inc. or put your credit card information on the line provided. Credit card information needs to be filled in prior to scanning and uploading on the portal if renewing online. All credit card info is deleted once renewal is processed. NO ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS (EFT) Renewal Health Verification forms may be faxed to 1- 888-326-0120 or scanned and emailed. We no longer require copies of proof of rabies or fecal. Renewal Health Verification Form must be completed by your veterinarian and fees must be included when received by Therapy Dogs Inc. or it will be returned. Slide 22 22Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Therapy Dogs Inc. office. 1-877-843-7364 (Toll Free) 1-307-432-0272 (Fax) therapydogsinc@qwestoffice.net therapydogsinc@qwestoffice.net www.therapydogs.com Slide 23 Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 23 Slide 24 24Therapy Dogs Inc. Presentation 2015 This presentation is intended to supplement the current written policies and regulations in your handbooks. As a member of Therapy Dogs Inc. it is your responsibility to read the current handbook and be aware of all changes and updates.