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Want more information on becoming a Therapy Dog Team?


UPCOMING EVENTS

Annual Tux n Tails
Gala Banquet
Saturday, April 25, 2009

WHEN: Saturday, September 20th, 2008

WHERE: Fidos For Freedom, Inc., 1200 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel, MD 20723 (Directions)

To sign up for Therapy Dog Testing, you must contact the therapy dog coordinator for a phone interview at least 2 weeks *prior* to testing day. The therapy dog coordinator can be emailed at tdcoordinator@fidosforfreedom.org.
*all appointments will be taken in the order received.
No walk-ins will be accepted!

Please bring the following items with you on testing day:

  • A completed Volunteer Application [PDF] for each person interested in volunteering at Fidos;
  • Copy of current vet records for EACH dog being tested (for all vet requirements); and
  • $40 testing fee for EACH dog being tested.

When you arrive at Fidos, potty your dog outside in the area directly behind the building (near the dumpster). Remember to pick up after your dog. Bags can be found in our lobby in a basket near the front door, a trash can is located outside to the left of our front door. Check in at the desk and have any volunteer applications, copies of all dogs vet records, and $30 testing fee(s) ready. Then sit back and prepare to meet a lot of great people and have fun! We will evaluate your dog, you will be interviewed, and we'll have you strut your stuff with the 5 obedience requirements.


Following is some general information regarding our programs and requirements.

Therapy Dog Testing Requirements

  1. Your dog must be temperament tested to make sure that they will be comfortable in the various environments which they may experience as a therapy dog.
  2. Your dog must be able to pass basic obedience exercises: heeling, off lead recall, a 3 minute sit stay, a 1 minute stand stay and a 15 minute down stay.
  3. Your dog must be able to interact in a controlled manner around strangers and therapy dogs.
  4. An interview of the handler.

This may all sound very regimented, but it is actually a lot of fun and not as hard as it may sound! To remain as a volunteer, there are certain attendance requirements for you and your dog and of course, veterinary records need to be kept up to date.

Additional information on the therapy dog program.

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