Visiting Rules
Posted by Anne Corke on 2006-08-07. Filed under Website Updates
Common Sense Rules for Visiting:
Before you visit:
Dogs must be clean, odour free and groomed before each visit.
Do not use flea spray or lusterizer/conditioning spray on your dog on the day of your visit.
Keep your dog's nails trimmed and filed smooth.
Do not visit if you dog is not feeling well or has open sores.
Do not visit if your dog is in season (in heat).
Do not consume alcohol before visiting.
Do not smoke in public while in uniform.
Dress code for handlers is black or grey pants and their ECTD shirt. No jeans, no sandals.
The therapy dog must wear either a flat collar or round snap nylon collars (Vollard). CHOKERS OR PINCH COLLARS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Harnesses are acceptable.
Leashes must be either nylon or leather. CHAINS, ROPES, OR EXTENDIBLE (FLEXI) LEASHES ARE NOT ALLOWED.
If you have a cold, flu or anything which is contagious, DO NOT VISIT. (You may wish to get a flu shot each fall.)
If the weather is too hot, leave your dog at home in a cool place, but remember, there is nothing stopping you from dropping in to say hello to the people who are anticipating your visit.
If you are unable to make a visit, be sure to call your visiting location and let them know so they can update their calendar of events. If you are going to miss more than one visit, please report this to your co-coordinator or assistant co-coordinator.
If you want to change the time of day that you visit, phone the coordinator to confirm.
While visiting:
Take a towel with you so you can wipe your dog's feet and coat if necessary.
Carry a bag to clean up after your dog. Do not allow him to urinate on shrubs.
Only visit the facility or floors that are assigned to you.
Always check at the nurses' station to see if there is anyone you cannot visit today.
Always knock on the door before entering. Remember, this is the resident's home.
Always ask the residents if they want to see your dog.
No more than two dogs should be in the same visiting area at one time.
Never let your dog off the leash.
Do not let any resident take control of the leash and the dog.
Do not allow your dog to bark while visiting.
Do not allow your dog to eat off residents' tables or drink from their glasses
Maintain CONFIDENTIALITY - do not talk about a patient outside the facility.
Never give medication or food, or adjust pillows or beds for the patients.
Do not supply the resident food or candies without special permission.
Always watch your dog. When talking to someone, keep your dog in front of you so you can keep an eye on him.
Never hit or abuse your dog in any way.
Know what to do if there is a fire alarm or an evacuation at the facility.
If you go to a room where another therapy dog is visiting, allow that person to have their visit and come back later. Many members spend extra time with their special clients. Please respect their personal time together.
Afterwards:
Your hours and numbers of visits must be reported to your phone committee representative at the end of each month. It would be helpful if you would report that information as soon as you have completed your visits for that month.
Inform the co-coordinator of any changes in your address or phone number.
It is the handler's responsibility to report any incidents of aggression or temperament changes which they see in their dog, or any other therapy dog, to the co-coordinator.
If you or your dog display inappropriate behaviour, the co-coordinator, evaluator or assistant evaluator has the right to ask you to be tested again, or to leave the program.