PETS in Action
Orientation Visit Guidelines
1. New members should observe a PETS handler/dog team during a facility visit before
undergoing visiting with their tested dog. This is an opportunity for the
applicant to get an idea of what the facilities are like and to better evaluate
if this will be a positive experience for their dog and themselves. You may
find it helpful to discuss which locations you might be best suited for your
team’s level of experience.
2. Owners wear PETS T-shirts & pets their bandana to let them know who you are.
3. Always have dogs wear rabies tag & keep your dog on it's leash (liability factor). No chain, wire or rope leashes please. A copy of your pet's vaccinations should be given to the PETS director before your 1st pet visit. Each member should also have a copy of the pet’s vaccination readily available at each visit, such as in the
car. It is not only handy, but rather impressive when you can hand them a
notebook or envelope, all neat, tidy and organized. Staff will appreciate that
you clearly have your act together, making you and your dog a welcome volunteer
team.
4. Handlers should evaluate their dog’s health and attitude as well as their own, prior to every visit. Work your dog through a short series of obedience commands before entering a
facility to keep them sharp & focused on good manners...
5. Avoid perfumes, colognes and other
scented oils on both handler and dog. We do want to look and smell our best
when taking our dogs to visit, but it is also very important to remember some
individuals may have severe allergies to these products. As a therapy dog team,
we are the visitors and must be cognizant of the comfort of those we are there
to visit.
6. It is difficult to focus
on your dog and the resident if you are using a cell phone. If you must use a
phone, please excuse yourself from your visit and go outside the facility to answer
your call. We understand that many people are professionally “on call” and are
required to use pagers and cell phones. Please set the pager or cell phone to vibrate. Use common
courtesy as well.
7. While visiting
with your dog in a facility, be certain of the areas where you and your dog are
allowed and welcomed. Sign
in if required & check
in at the nurse’s station so everyone is aware of you and your special
therapy dog. Never visit during meal
times or in food preparation areas.
8. Always give dogs the opportunity to eliminate before entering the facility and clean up after your dog, inside or
outside the facility. Ask where a safe, outside location is where you may walk
or rest your dog. Never leave any traces of your dog after a visit. Bring a
plastic baggie & paper towel for cleanup.
9. We strongly
recommend that your dog become accustomed to walking on a variety of different
surfaces. Always consider the footing before
asking your dog to perform tricks or moves.
10. Do not let your dog precede you down
the hall, around a corner, at doorways or doors at stairways. Stand back while
waiting for an elevator door to open. When the door opens, wait for a moment to
assure safe exit of passengers. If the elevator is occupied, it is polite to
ask if you may enter with your dog.
11. Do not become so
comfortable that you become careless. Stay alert
to the surroundings at all times. Excuse yourself and your dog from any
situation you do not believe will be a positive experience for all involved.
Your dog is your first priority. Never put yourself or your dog in a
questionable or threatening situation.
12.
Give your verbal commands quietly.
Always praise your dog for his/her
exemplary behavior.
13. Never leave your dog alone with
staff, residents, or visitors.
14.
Keep your dog well hydrated. Bring
water & bowl. Folding fabric or plastic bowls are perfect for taking along
on visits. Clean water from floor if spilled.
15.
Although treats are often used during visits, we do not recommend that you allow the residents to give
treats to your dog.
16.
Be aware that some facilities have their own pets or
may allow visiting family pets. Residents may have their own pets as well.
These animals may not behave in the same
manner as a therapy dog. For your
safety, Keep your distance!
17.
PETS. requires that all handlers give other therapy
dog teams at least two feet of space
between dogs. Do not ever allow your dog to approach a person's lap or bed
when another dog is already there. Please take extra precautions in doorways,
elevators or any small confined areas.
18.
Be alert to signs
of stress in your dog and yourself. Monitor the body language of your dog
for signs of stress, such as, but not limited to:
·
Excessive panting
·
Dog jumps or climbs on you for security
·
Dog hides behind you
·
Body or legs develop shakes or tremors
·
Ears and tail press close to the body
·
Yawning and facial expression changes
·
Dog looks for an escape route or
doorway
·
Dog refuses to socialize
19.
Taking a few weeks off may be well
deserved and can make a difference in the quality of future visits.
20.
The first thing you ask from a distance (of about 10 feet) before
approaching a resident is, “Do You Like Dogs?” Never
force your dog to interact with a patient or any patient to interact with
your dog. This should be a pleasant experience for you, your dog, and the
patient or resident.
21. Always announce yourself first before
entering a resident’s room. Ask if they would like a visit from your special
dog. Never force a visit on anyone. Never awaken sleeping patients. If the
patient is having a meal in the room and wants to visit, excuse yourself and
return when they have finished their meal.
22.
Only you may pick up your dog.
Therapy dogs are not allowed to jump onto any occupied bed, chair or wheelchair
unless that resident and a facility staff member have given permission.
Injuries could occur if the dog steps on a patient or resident. Ask if the
patient or resident has sore areas you should avoid. Remember to watch for
tubes, lines, and other medical equipment.
23.
Read and obey all warning signs on
room doors, such as “ISOLATION” or “INFECTIOUS, DO NOT ENTER.”
This is important for all involved!
24.
Be aware of pills, food or other items on
the floor. It is a good idea not to let your dog pick up or even sniff
anything, including a treat that has been dropped on the floor. Keep your dog
away from trash containers. A good command to teach your dog is “Leave it!” Avoid
areas where cleaning chemicals were recently used.
25.
Always try to hold or guide the
exuberant and/or clumsy resident hand toward your dog for petting as
reassurance for both your dog and the person. Always remember to hold the paws
so as not to touch the fragile skin of a patient or resident. If your dog gives
kisses, remember that not all patients,
residents or staff like dog kisses. Always watch for the resident who will
grab the ear, tail, or leash. Be ready
to protect your dog.
26.
Do not give food, water, or assistance to a patient or resident even if
asked. Notify the nurse that help is needed. PETS members will not provide
chemical substances, or any substances including but not limited to, hand
sanitizers, hand wipes, or lotions, unless provided by the facility.
27.
Do have everyone using wheelchairs lock
wheels before you bring your dog up to them. It is easier to approach
someone in a wheelchair from the side.
28. Observe all rules of privacy and confidentiality as required by HIPPA. Never discuss a patient’s health or personal issues with the patient or anyone else. Photos may not be taken without prior written permission of the subject (or guardian) and a representative of the facility.
29.
A therapy dog team must strictly adhere
to all rules and regulations in each facility. If these rules are unclear,
ask a staff member or activities director to explain them to you.
30.
If an incident or injury to an
employee, resident, or visitor in the facility occurs while representing PETS.
31. Focus on Happy stories about animals & items
in their environment (pictures, etc.) You and your pet are the escape from their ailments!!! You can absolutely Make Someone’s Day visiting with your dog & your cheery presence.
32. Please make an effort to switch out with another person if you cannot make your scheduled visit. Contact your facility coordinator or Mary Kay 706-864-0410 mktcrowell@windstream.net if you cannot find someone. The people get in a habit of seeing you & really look forward to it!
33. The 1st of every month a visit survey will be emailed out asking for the hours you spent visiting. PETS wants to keep track of the valuable time & neat experiences you all have!
Thank you for
volunteering with PETS in Action!!!
I have read & understand the above guidelines ________________________________________ date __________