The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program reaches out to thousands of people across Canada on a daily basis bringing comfort, joy and companionship to members of the community who are sick, lonely, reside in long-term care and mental health facilities; are in hospitals, schools and library settings. Program participants reap the therapeutic benefits of the unconditional companionship of a four-legged friend. Through petting, affection, and regular visitation, many people benefit both physically and emotionally from the unconditional love of a dog, while also providing the volunteer with a unique and rewarding volunteer experience.
The program continues to grow, boasting more than 3, volunteer dog teams providing over , hours of their time. The friendly attention and acceptance of these four-legged volunteers are always greatly appreciated. To be considered for the Therapy Dog program, volunteer handlers the dog owner must:. Please note that St.
John Ambulance does not train or provide therapy dogs. We evaluate you and your dog to act as a therapy dog team. The training we recommend for this role is basic obedience training and good socialization.
Many pet stores and other places offer such training. There isn't a specific program or course we endorse. During the Therapy Dog Program evaluation, handlers and their dogs will be subjected to a number of situations, stressors, and challenges as part of a mock visit to a healthcare facility.
Dogs will also be assessed for cleanliness and good grooming. A good therapy dog will beg for attention, using a quiet mannerly disposition. The dog cannot show rejection, nor be too boisterous or assertive in its behaviour. The dog must always be on leash and under control of the handler. Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page! We're not accepting any new volunteer applications in British Columbia or Yukon right now, because we're over capacity for onboarding and training.
