INTRODUCTION TO THERAPY DOGS
Thank you for your enquiry about a Therapy Dog to Mobility Assistance Dog Trust.
Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust (Mobility Dogs) is a charitable trust established in 2003. Our Mission is to enhance the lives of people living with long-term disabilities, increasing independence, confidence, self-esteem and participation in New Zealand communities.
We achieve this through the following programmes and initiatives; Mobility Dogs, Companion Dogs, and Therapy Dogs programmes and training.
THE COMMUNITY DOG PROGRAMME
Our Therapy Dogs work in a variety of different settings. For example Dental Clinics, Rehabilitation facilities, Courts, and Residential Care to name a few.
Mobility Dogs has some requirements that must be met before an application can be accepted for review:
- There must be a proven need of a Therapy Dog to assist in a therapeutic role.
- Applicants must demonstrate written proof of support and commitment from management.
- A safe environment, ongoing care, and all future expenses associated with the dog’s welfare must be met by the handler.
- Mobilty Dogs will require from time to time feedback on how the placement is progressing.
- Mobility Dogs requires copies and notes of all veterinarian visits.
- Annual vaccinations and regular flea treatment and worming must be organised by the handler.
- Any change of therapist must be discussed with Mobility Dogs in the first instance.
- The cost of a Therapy Dog is $5,000.
- Travel costs for placement and training will apply.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CLIENT, THE DOG, AND MOBILITY DOGS
A Therapy Dog is raised and trained in the same way as a Mobility Dog until it is identified as potentially suitable for working out in the community in a therapy role. Additional training and socialisation will be given if required prior to placement.
Mobility Dogs retains ownership of the dog for the duration of its working life. Should it be mutually agreed, the client will be offered the dog to adopt on retirement.
Mobility Dogs will provide training and follow-up support on an on-going basis and ensure the partnership is functioning as it should within a therapeutic environment. This will involve assessing and evaluating the dog in a range of situations.
In order to assess the validity of the Therapy Dog working with clients, Mobility Dogs will require from time to time a written report which will be used for research purposes in evaluating these placements.
Therapy Dogs do not have public access rights which means their jacket can only be worn when the dog is working. The jacket will be provided by Mobility Dogs.
It is agreed that there will be open dialogue between Mobility Dogs and the therapist to resolve any issues which may arise and to offer ongoing support.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The process for receiving a Therapy Dog is divided into three separate stages as outlined below. As each stage is completed and reviewed by the Mobility Dogs team, you may be asked to continue to the second, and finally to the third stage, or you will be advised that your application is not proceeding to the next stage.
We understand that this can be a lengthy process for you, however we aim to ensure that a Therapy Dog is appropriate for your specific situation.
TIMEFRAMES
Due to demand for the Therapy Dogs and potential wait-lists we are unable to provide set timeframes for the completion of the application process.
We undertake to:
• Keep applicants informed throughout the application process.
• To meet timeframes detailed in the Application Stages below.
• Respond to any enquiries promptly.
• Provide details of expected timeframes/next steps to each applicant as applicable.
APPLICATION STAGES
STAGE 1:
- Application submission - please complete the form giving as much information as possible.
- You will be contacted by the applicant coordinator once your form has been reviewed.
- Applications are usually reviewed monthly. The review team may want to ask you further questions about your application in which case they will get in touch directly.
- Or, if you have any queries about the application form please contact the applicant coordinator directly.
- We will aim to contact you again within one month of reviewing your application.
STAGE 2:
- A home and facility visit will be conducted by one or two members of the Mobility Dogs team.
- We aim to get back in touch with you again in a timely manner to advise whether you have been accepted into our Therapy Dog programme and a formal letter will be sent out at this time.
STAGE 3:
- Once a suitable dog has been identified we will be in touch.
- A date will be made to introduce the dog to you. This consists of a trainer bringing the dog to you and showing you the dogs skills and working through the Therapy Client Manual.
- The placement will consist of a minimum of 20 hours of traniner involvement.
Contact Details:
Client Coordinator- Applicants
Gemma Overton
gemma.overton@mobilitydogs.co.nz
027 700 1721