How to Take a Dog to a Children's Hospital

Many sick children find great comfort in a visit from a therapy dog. Taking your dog to a children's hospital is a wonderful way to get involved in the community, and your dog will enjoy the extra attention. If you think that you and your dog are suited for therapy work, follow these steps to get started.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ensure that your dog is very well socialized and shows no signs of aggression. Your dog should know basic obedience commands and be current on all vaccinations.

2. Obtain a Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) certificate. Most therapy dog groups won't certify your dog for therapy work unless he is already a CGC. A CGC certificate is proof that your dog is reliable in all basic obedience commands and is friendly with strangers.

3. Join a therapy dog group. The group will evaluate your dog to make sure he is a good candidates for therapy dog work. A benefit to working with a group is that most of them have insurance to cover you and your dog.

4. Clean your dog before you take him to the hospital. Bathe him no more than 2 days before the visit. Ensure that he is free of fleas and ticks. The appearance of you and your dog reflects on other therapy dogs and their handlers, so make a good impression.

5. Enjoy yourself. Take pride in being able to share your dog with children who need the extra comfort that only a furry friend can provide.

Tips & Warnings

• Only take your dog on hospital visits if he enjoys the experience. It's not fair to put him in situations in which he is uncomfortable.