At Sherman Hospital, our Therapy Dogs program is something we’re very proud of. For many dog lovers, petting a friendly dog can brighten entire days, and dog lovers who happen to be patients at Sherman are no different. The role of the Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) team – made up of a dog and its owner, or “handler” – is to interact with patients and offer them a chance to pet the therapy dog and interact with the animal.

Prior to becoming an AAT team, you must obtain a TD Inc. Certification and complete the Sherman Hospital AAT Program Application. After submitting the application you will go through a couple more steps before becoming an AAT team. But before you start this process, there certain qualifications and characteristics for both those who are seeking to become handlers and for animals that are potential therapy dogs. We seek handlers who have characteristics such as:

• 18 years or older
• Caring with good communication skills
• Dependable
• Good personal hygiene
• Good physical condition, able to repeatedly kneel, bend, etc
• Pass TB/drug screening and background check
• Attend screening and training for the program
• Sign in and out to record volunteer hours

We also prefer that dogs have the following qualifications and characteristics:

• 1 year or older
• Proficient in basic and off-leash obedience
• No history of aggression
• Lived with handler for at least 6 months
• Confident and outgoing
• Loves people and other dogs
• Tolerant, good temperament
• Well mannered and handles stress well

In addition to those qualifications, we hold a set of requirements for health of the dog and the handler. We need your veterinarian to complete our AAT Program’s Veterinary Screening Form within 45 days of submission. We also require the handler to pass our TB/drug screening and criminal background check.

If this program sounds like it could be right for you and your dog, please call the Sherman Hospital Volunteer Office at (224) 783-8720 to receive an application!

For more on pet therapy visit Shermanhealth.com or check out Therapy Dogs, Inc to find any additional information you may need about becoming a therapy team.