VISITATION THERAPY DOGS
A visitation therapy dog is a specially trained canine companion that brings comfort, joy, and emotional support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, special needs day centres and other community settings. These dogs, along with their dedicated handlers, volunteer their time to brighten the lives of individuals who may be experiencing loneliness, stress, or health challenges.
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Their friendly nature and calm demeanour help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even encourage social interaction.
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How Do Therapy Dogs Help?
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Boost Emotional Well-being – Spending time with a therapy dog can reduce feelings of isolation and bring happiness to those who need it most.
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Encourage Social Interaction – People often feel more at ease and open to conversation when a therapy dog is present.
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Support Mental Health – Studies have shown that spending time with a dog can lower stress levels and promote relaxation.
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Bring Comfort & Companionship – Whether it's a gentle nuzzle or a wagging tail, therapy dogs offer unconditional love and reassurance.
Who Benefits from Visitation Therapy Dogs?
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Patients in hospitals or hospice care
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Residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
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Children in schools, special needs, or libraries needing emotional support
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Individuals in rehabilitation centres or mental health programs
Pawsability Therapy Dogs is dedicated in training and assessing teams to be well trained in safety and interactions in different community settings. Our goal is to help train teams so they are ready to join a charity or become an independent team.
Pawsability Therapy Dogs can provide appropriate paperwork and insurance options (not financial advice) These teams would be assessed and follow Pawsability guidelines whilst working or volunteering independently. Once independent teams pass their assessment they will be provided with a bandana and certificate to be able to volunteer or work under their own ABN.
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Dependent on the age of their dog, training skills and past experience, this could take 6 months to 2 years to achieve. All dogs are to be trained with positive reinforcement only. We are a force free, ethical organisation. Initially primary reinforces will most likely be food, once skills are well established secondary reinforces will be utilised which are conditioned or self reinforcing utilising those interactions with people.
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Temperament Test
A temperament test will be conducted at the age of 12 months to assess if the dog is suitable for the work. We are looking for dogs that enjoy meeting new people.
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