THE OBERLE ACADEMY
Permission To Participate with
Alliance Therapy Dogs
2024
Researchers and experts agree that pets excel as therapeutic agents and that dogs are an antidote to depression. The Oberle Academy has partnered with Alliance of Therapy Dogs to break students’ daily routine, increase overall emotional well-being, and stimulate the mind in dramatic ways. Therapy dogs offer so many wonderful benefits to people of all ages such as:
· Bringing joy and laughter
· Taking a person’s mind off of personal problems, aches, pains and worries
· Getting people to share their emotions and stories
· Giving a chance for people to communicate with others
· Lowering stress levels and blood pressure
· Rekindling warm memories of their pets
For the care, welfare and safety of all students and the therapy dog, students must understand and agree to abide by the following rules:
1. Animals have individual rights, just as each student has rights. Therefore, therapy dogs are also allowed to determine if and when they participate with others. While it may be nice to have them interact, therapy dogs should never be forced to do so.
2. Therapy dogs should always be treated gently. They should never be hit, have the tail or any other body parts pulled, nor be carried or treated in any other way that is uncomfortable or potentially harmful.
3. Students will never be left alone with the therapy dog.
Alliance of Therapy Dogs are:
Extensively Tested
Alliance of Therapy Dogs certified therapy dogs undergo extensive testing to make sure that they have good manners and react positively to being touched by strangers. After passing the test, ATD requires that the dog and the handler complete three successful supervised visits in a facility, school, or other public venue where they must successfully interact with strangers in therapy-like settings. Two of these visits are in a medically related facility.
Clean, Groomed & Healthy
ATD therapy dogs are cleaned and groomed before visits, up-to-date on rabies vaccines and other inoculations recommended by their personal veterinarians, and show proof of a negative fecal exam every 12 months.
THE OBERLE ACADEMY
Permission To Participate with
Alliance Therapy Dogs
2024
Covered by Insurance
ATD provides insurance for its volunteer teams in the unlikely event someone is injured as a result of interacting with the therapy dog.
By giving permission, you understand your child may be exposed during the school day to fully supervised interactions with the therapy dog team when they are in attendance.
PERMISSION FORM
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Please indicate your preference for interaction with the therapy dog:
☐ Yes: I’d like my son/daughter to be able to interact with the therapy dog when possible.
☐ No: My son/daughter has pet allergies.
☐ No: My son/daughter has a fear of animals/dogs.
☐ Other: _______________________________________________________________________
Student Name: ______________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________
Date: _______________________