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Team Evaluation

Therapy Teams must exhibit all of the characteristics established in our written evaluation form to be considered for certification.

Succulents

Testing Procedure for Dogs

  • Meet a friendly stranger politely with no hesitation,aggression or over-excitement
  • Accept petting, brushing, handling, and examination of the feet, ears and other parts of the body showing no signs of resentment. Also accept awkward petting/ holding without distress and gently take a treat 
  • Walk on a loose leash, including left and right turns with a brief pause to show control by the handler
  • Demonstrate reliable knowledge of obedience commands such as sit, down, stay and come
  • Demonstrate the "leave it" command while approaching food items on the ground
  • Meet another dog politely without becoming over excited or fearful and must remain under the control of the handler
  • Handle environmental distractions and noises without becoming fearful and remain under the control of the handler when distractions are presented
  • ​Walk among a crowd simulating a therapy type environment while demonstrating a willing, accepting and controlled attitude. This environment should include:
    • common medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs and/or crutches
    • a variety of people including children, some using the medical equipment and presenting common therapy situations
    • Another dog that may or may not be presenting controlled behavior

Testing Procedure for Cats

  • Meet a friendly stranger politely with no fear, aggression or over-excitement
  • Accept petting, brushing, handling, and examination of the feet, ears and other parts of the body showing no signs of resentment. Also accept awkward petting/ holding without distress
  • Show a willingness to be held in a stranger's lap for a pet without resistance, signs of stress, or attempts to get away.
  • Wear a harness with attached leash and remain in control of the handler
  • Meet a behaved dog politely in passing without becoming over excited or fearful/aggressive and must remain under the control of the handler
  • Handle environmental distractions and noises without becoming fearful and remain under the control of the handler when distractions are presented
  • ​Be carried among a crowd simulating a therapy type environment while demonstrating an accepting and controlled attitude. This environment should include:
    • common medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs and/or crutches
    • a variety of people including children, some using the medical equipment and presenting common therapy situations
    • A dog that may or may not be presenting controlled behavior
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