Volunteering as a Dog Team
To qualify as a member of the dog team, the handler must be over the age of 18. The handler must be able to control the dog in a crowded environment. To dog must have up to date vaccinations and be able to provide proof of such. Dogs will be considered at one year of age but it is recommended that your dog be at least two years old. The dog team must be able to commit to at least 30 volunteert visits per year. Please see section below for next steps should you feel that you and your dog at the right fit for this program!
Volunteering without a Dog
There are many opportunities to support our program through volunteering, even if you don’t have a dog. Please fill out the contact form to discuss current opportunities.
“Maggie gets so excited to see the students lined up at the campus visits. Her tail never stops wagging! Seeing the smiles on student’s faces, many being away from home for the first time, makes these visits extra special. We are so thrilled to be part of this amazing team!”
“Last week during a retirement home visit, a resident who had recently experienced a stroke that left her without movement reached out to pet the dog. It was so rewarding.”
“During the lockdown due to COVID-19, myself and Ruby missed everyone so much at our regular placement. It was so evident in the resident’s eyes that they too missed the attention and cuddles of their Therapy Dog visits. Such a heart warming experience when we were finally allowed back to resume visits. Absolutely beautiful to see the smiles on their faces.”
“My dog and I have brought smiles to grumpy old curmudgeons and cheered their day right up. We have helped an anxious soul who hadn’t slept, spoken or been able to settle for 2 days. After visiting with the dog, he calmed and cuddled and talked to the dog. He started to answer questions directed to him. He was later able to eat some lunch and even sleep for a while.”
“When I first started visiting with my dogs, a co-worker was in a facility and was terminal. When I saw who the client was, I asked if she’d like a visitor. She replied she wasn’t up to it. However, when my dog poked his head in, she teared up and said she didn’t want to talk. I told her that was just fine, I was bringing her some love. My dog went straight to her and I sat quietly while he worked his magic. He went up on the bed with her and just laid there as she pet him and cried. No words, just pure love. This fills my heart when I see my loving animals bring a smile or tears to another human when they need it.”
“Halo and I had a visit on a Monday morning. Halo dashed into the lobby and went right up to a gentleman sitting alone. She hopped into his knee and he buried his face in her neck. We learned afterward that his wife had died the day before. Somehow Halo knew he needed to be comforted.”
Interested in joining the team?
Expression of Interest.
Reach out to the KW Therapy Dog Coordinator at awgoulden@gmail.com to express your interest in the program or ask questions. You will communicate with the coordinator about the next available 2 hour orientation session. We do not have access to the SJA Ontario Therapy Dog Online Application, so please be sure to contact the coordinator directly as indicated above.
Dog/Handler Evaluation Session.
Once you and your dog are ready, you will attend a dog/handler evaluation session.
Interview with Evaluators.
At the interview, expectations of the program will be discussed. A Vulnerable Sector Police Check will be required at this step. You will also be required to complete 2 training sessions online.
Complete Training Visits.
You will completeone training visit with a Group Leader and their dog. After this session, you will then complete 2 sessions with the Group Leader and your dog. Next, you will complete 6 visits independently. Finally, the Group Leader will accompany you on your 10th visit. You’re then officially a part of the pack!
Therapy Dogs Make a Difference!
The KW Therapy Dog teams are in high demand from nursing and retirement homes, hospitals, university campuses and other venues where people are under stress.
Pet Therapy is proven to have many positive benefits, including improved cardiovascular and mental health.