Here are a few situations our dog and handler teams may encounter.  Think about how your dog will would deal with...

• Pulling of dog’s hair or ears, being poked, prodded and hugged firmly
• Rolling and stepping on the paws and tail with a variety of medical equipment
• Screaming, moaning, thrashing and crying patients
• Sudden loud noises and beeping of medical equipment
• Pungent odors
• Food lying on low tables and on the floor
• Working in cramped, tight quarters. Dogs may have to go under tables or walkers to reach patients
• Interacting with large groups of elderly people or very young children
• Working side-by-side with other dog therapy teams

• The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification is a prerequisite to the Club’s own therapy dog certification test. Dog and handler teams are expected to obtain the necessary training and CGC certification outside the Club’s practice and training sessions prior to active membership.
• After obtaining the CGC, a separate therapy dog assessment and certification test will be administered by the Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club’s Official Evaluator to further analyze the temperament and skills of the dog and handler team.
• Members may not participate in therapy dog visits until the CGC certification is obtained and the dog and handler team receive a passing score on the FVTDC’s Evaluation Test. After completing these prerequisites, the team will be accompanied on the first 3 visits by a senior Club member. Upon approval from the senior Club members, the dog and handler team may make independent therapy visits.
• Those interested in joining the Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club shall “apply” for membership on a form and agree to abide by the Constitution, Bylaws and Membership Guidelines of the Club. The application will also carry the endorsement of two members in good standing.
• Membership dues are $20 a year (payable on or before January1st) for either an individual or family membership.
• Dogs must be at least 1 year of age to take the FVTDC’s certification test and make therapy visits.
• All visits made under the Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club are official Club scheduled events. A monthly calendar is set for visits and only when visiting under that calendar are you representing the Club.
• Club insurance coverage extends only to “organized club activities or scheduled events.” This includes “participation in the therapeutic use of dogs in nursing homes, hospitals and similar institutions.” Only when visiting under the official Club calendar does the Club’s insurance policy protect the Club and the Club’s members.
• The Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club recognizes the importance of continued education and training. Club members gather on a weekly basis. Once a month formal business meetings are held without dogs. During the remaining three weeks Club members (accompanied by their dogs) gather and learn advanced therapy skills, attend educational seminars and listen to guest speakers. These meetings also provide support for members and a forum to discuss therapy visits and our interactions with students, patients, relatives and facility administration. Our meetings also include fun games and training challenges designed to further develop our dog handling skills.
• Members are required to provide proof of their dogs’ current vaccination schedule and fecal samples.
• Therapy dogs are required to be clean, tidy, have trimmed nails and be free of odor & excessive dander.
• During visitation, Club members are required to wear Club identification and official Club attire.
• Junior handlers under the age of 18 must be certified and accompanied by an adult on all therapy visits.
• Be aware of and closely follow the therapy dog protocol required at each facility you are visiting.
• Confidentiality of information is required by all therapy club members. Patient or student information must remain confidential with the exception of information pertaining to specific therapy club business.
• Handlers are encouraged to keep a written record of all visits.
• Most of all have fun! We are the Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club, “Making a Difference, One Paw at a Time.”