Does your dog have what it takes to become a therapy dog?
Steps to Becoming a FVTDC Registered Team
Attend one of our Practice Sessions Without your Dog
The Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club recognizes the importance of continued education and training. Club members gather on a bi-monthly basis accompanied by their dogs to learn advanced therapy skills, practice obedience training, 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. Once a quarter, club business meetings are held without dogs.Any person attending a FVTDC practice session must first sign a Waiver of Liability form.
Here are a few situations our dog and handler teams may encounter. Think about how your dog would deal with…
Provide the following documentation to the Membership Coordinator in preparation to attend practice:
Evidence of achievement of basic obedience skills by one of the following:*Dogs under 1 year of age are exempt from this requirement*
A passing score on the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. Dog and handler teams are expected to obtain the necessary training and CGC certification outside the Club’s practice and training sessions.
A therapy dog registration with a nationally recognized organization such as Therapy Dogs International TDI, or Delta Society
A canine performance title awarded by the AKC or similar organization
- New members are requested to use the FVTDC’s Annual Health Record form to summarize this information. Please submit to your veterinarian, have your medical information recorded and certified, then mail or fax to the Club Membership Coordinator. If you provide a stamped, addressed envelope, your veterinarian’s office can mail the form directly to the Club Membership Coordinator.
- Become a member by completing the Membership Application form and pay annual dues of $20.00.
- Receive confirmation e-mail that all information has been received and that you are now eligible to attend practices with your dog.
- The Prospect Coordinator will match you up with an experienced club member, who will be your Mentor. He/she will introduce you to other club members and provide guidance and support on your journey to becoming a Registered Team.
In order to be eligible to participate in the Evaluation Test, the following criteria needs be completed and documented on the Steps to Evaluation Test Pamphlet by 1-week prior to the Evaluation Test date.
Please submit completed Steps to Evaluation Test Pamphlet to the Prospect Coordinator Part A – Attend at least 2 Saturday practice sessions with your dog (Please note – all Membership documentation as listed above, must be received by the Membership Coordinator prior to attending a practice with your dog)Part C – Submit the Steps to Evaluation Pamphlet and test fee
This needs to be done 1 week prior to the Evaluation Test date.
Receive Confirmation E-mail
Successfully pass the Evaluation Test
In order to become a “Registered Team”, the following must be completed within 6-months of the Evaluation test date; otherwise you will be required to take the Evaluation Test again. This is done to ensure that all your skills are still up-to-date.