Healthcare Traveler - May 2008 - (Page 8)

Paws for Thought E N S U R I N G P E T H E A LT H AT H O M E A N D O N T H E R O A D Get involved in pet therapy programs When traveling around the country, you may have encountered healthcare facilities that offer pet therapy programs. Here’s how you can get involved. Kim Kilmer M ost animals—usually the fourlegged variety—can qualify to participate in pet therapy programs. They simply need to be friendly, outgoing, and trained well enough to pass entry-level tests that are necessary to get registered. Requirements for training and temperament testing will be based on each individual program. Not all animals are appropriate for all programs and patient populations. pet and handler teams were required to register with either TDI (then Therapy Dogs International) or Delta Society. The group that I am presently structuring will have an internal registry based on my level of training and temperament tests to suit the facility that I serve. Understanding designations There are several types of therapy animal designations. Pets that make social visits only are often referred to as visiting pets or pets that participate in an animal-assisted activity (AAA) program. Those that actually become part of a therapeutic program where the animal and handler team are part of patient therapies are designated as animal-assisted therapy (AAT) or therapeutic animal teams. For the most part, pets that participate in AAT programs have training beyond that of AAA program pets. AAT pets may be used as a modality to assist patients with physical, occupational, or other specialized therapies. The use of pets in AAT programs is limited only to the imagination of the healthcare professionals and the pet and handler team’s level of training. Ask Kim I have a Chihuahua and when I leave him, he barks. He has been staying at home with my family since I had some night shifts and he woke me every hour to go out. – Melissa Programs offer a fantastic opportunity to volunteer and share time with pets. Registering your pet Most therapy pets in this country are registered with Therapy Dogs Incorporated (TDI) (www.therapydogs.com) and Delta Society Pet Partners (www. deltasociety.org). These national registries maintain the largest list of pets, while many local pet clubs and other groups may offer independent options. There are also independent organizations that require their pet and handler teams to be registered with a national registry prior to becoming affiliated with their groups. Small, local organizations scattered across the country also may provide their own registry-based programs, pet and handler team training, and other offerings that meet the specific needs of the facilities they serve. How a group and its volunteers will be insured can drive the requirements of many registration policies. I have organized and run two pet therapy programs in the past 20 years. “Paws That Serve” 8 Healthcare Traveler May 2008 Toy breeds can be prone to bladder infections. I would suggest that if his potty habits have changed dramatically without his daily schedule changing, that you consult a veterinarian. He may also just be seeking attention. Increasing exercise and training may help if that is the case. I am a night shift nurse, and my 3-year-old boxer, Isabella, refuses to let me sleep during the day. I have tried walking and playing with her before I go to bed, but that does not work! Got any tips? – Kathy Finding what works for you While most pet therapy handlers just want to volunteer with their pet to give back to the community, consider these guidelines to find the program that works best for you: Try to find a group that offers training for both you and your animal. You’ll need to learn about proper patient interaction as well as how to optimize your pet’s skills to make a successful visit. Pick a group that will allow you to visit several times without your pet. Observe Find a local doggy daycare where she can play several days a week while you sleep. Give her as much exercise as possible and then confine her to a safe area away from your bedroom with an interactive, safe toy to entertain her. See clickertraining.com (under dog training/toys/puzzle toys and boredom busters). Dogs can’t sleep both day and night, so adjusting her activity should help. www.healthcaretraveler.com the visits and determine if the program http://www.therapydogs.com http://www.deltasociety.org http://www.deltasociety.org http://www.clickertraining.com http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - May 2008

Healthcare Traveler - May 2008 Editor's Desk Contents In a Flash Paws for Thought Field Notes Cardiac Care at the Heart of Many Travelers Careers The Current Economy Clinical Tips Drug Update On Assignment Name It When In Advertisers' Index Good for You Tax Facts Big Deals Contest Rules Starter's Kit Going the Distance Tales from the Road Allied Corner Classifieds

Healthcare Traveler - May 2008

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