A comprehensive training program for people and their dogs to become registered Carolina Canines for Therapy teams to volunteer in the community visiting hospitals, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, library reading programs and school reading programs.
The Carolina Canines for Therapy course is a 6 week program designed to provide an active hands-on participation teaching the skills needed to make for successful visitation once registered. Each team must participate in the course and successfully complete an assessment prior to registering as a Carolina Canines for Therapy team.
Carolina Canines for Therapy training programs are offered throughout the year. Contact
Carolina Canines at
volunteer.services@carolinacanines.org or
visit CCT Classes to learn when
the next class is starting.
Course Prerequisites
The dog must be at least one (1) year of age and have lived in the handlers home for at least 6 months prior to participation.
Dogs must know strong and reliable basic obedience (sit, down, stay, recall and walking on a loose leash) and have completed AKC Canine Good Citizens prior to class registration.
Neck buckle collars, cloth martingale collars or head harnesses (i.e. Halti, Gentle Leader, Snoot Loop), and only acceptable equipment allowed. A six (6) foot leash is mandatory; no retractable leads.
First night of class handler must provide completed registration form and copy of animal’s vaccination record.
General Class Policies
The person handling the animal must be at least 10 years old. Handlers younger than 16 must be accompanied by a participating parent.
Dogs trained to aggressively protect and/or encouraged to actively bite, even as a component of a dog sport (e.g., bite work that is part of Schutzhund) may not be therapy dogs.
All animals who participate in the program must be healthy and free from parasites, disease, infections, and illnesses. The health screening is completed by your animal's regular veterinarian.
Carolina Canines for Therapy requires all of its handlers to have a background check.
Class policies are available from the organization providing the approved Carolina Canines for Therapy program. |
