Spiritually Based Pet Therapy

 

I began Pet Therapy visits in 1976, when this brand new field was called Animal Assisted Therapy. I was a professional who was paid for my services and expertise. My menagerie of specially bred rough collies, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and rats traveled all over Southern California providing Animal Assisted Therapy to every kind of population. I lectured on Animal Assisted Therapy at UCLA. (See my resume under 'About Me' for the entire list.) My knowledge and training is far beyond simply passing a CGC test and joining a group.

 
In addition to  regular visits, I placed dogs and rabbits as long term pets in residences. My collie 'Sausage' lived in a nursing home for years, and 'Sneakers' lived in a home for retarded children. 'Johnny' the rough collie lived in Costa Mesa in a home for severely disabled infants, and 'Cole' the rabbit lived in a nursing home. All the animals were supervised by me during those years.

 

Pet Therapy Q and A:
I'm confused. I thought my dog had to be certified by the Delta Society.
No. No certification from anyone or any group is needed for you to take your pet to visit Grandma in the nursing home. Friendly, well behaved dogs go out all the time without certification from anyone or any group. Each formal pet therapy group has its own personality and requirements.

Do you mean I dont' need any certificate from anyone?
Yes. However, if you want to have some skills and confidence, this class is a big help. And, your dog may need help to be successful in this area of life and training.
 
When can I get my dog a vest?
Anytime. If you join a formal Pet Therapy group, they'll have their own vests and tests. You can get a vest from www.sitstay.com anytime. There is no 'official' or 'certified' vest.
 
How do you know my dog will pass the CGC?
Unless dogs can pass the CGC at the start of the test I'll suggest a training class with me, first. The CGC is simple and easy. See for  yourself. www.akc.org. I should know; I'm an evaluator.
Does the county of Orange or the state of CA require a license to do pet therapy?
No. Nor is anyone or any group licensed to grant 'certification.' There is no 'one certifying body' or even a dozen certifying bodies. Anyone can participate.
 
What about insurance? Another group scared me to death...they said unless I was a member of their group I could be sued if my dog bit someone.
No matter what group you join, you are liable for your dog's actions. Every dog owner should have homeowners or renters insurance for their dog, regardless of pet therapy activities. If you are concerned about your dog biting  someone, pet therapy is not a good idea.
 
What is Spiritually Based Pet Therapy? I thought all I needed was to pass a test and get a vest.
Passing tests and wearing a vest is one way of approaching pet therapy. Groups exist with this approach and it appeals to many. However, a different approach (mine) is to create emotions and energy, so pet therapy becomes more about human interactions and relationships, and less about passing tests.

Call 714-542-2121
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