Pet Therapy Teams Needed to Volunteer with Bideawee in Wantagh, NY!

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Recognizing the myriad of benefits that the relationship between people and pets can provide, Bideawee launched its Pet Therapy Program in 1986. We traing handlers and animals to be able to visit sites such as nursing homes, hospitals, schools and more to provode love and companionship to those in need.

To qualify for certification, you and your pet must fulfill the following requirements:

The person handling the animal must be at least 10 years old. Handlers younger than 16 must be accompanied by and have written permission to participate fom a parent or guardian.

All animals must have lived in the owner's home for at least 6 months.

Dogs must be at least 1 year old when the animal is evaluated.

Dogs traied to aggressiely protect and/or encouraged to actively bite, even as a component of a dog sport, may not be pet t herpay volunteers.

Your dog should know basic obedience commands and should be calm, friendly, outgoing and predictable. Having a canine good citizen certificate is a plus.

Your dog should feel comfortable around people who use wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and comfortable with unusual movement or loud outbursts around them.

Your dog should be in good health and well groomed with up to date vaccines.

Your dog cannot be taking antibiotics, antifungals or immunosuppresants

Your dog must be spayed/neutered.

Your dog may not consume a raw protein diet.

To become certified, you shoul email franny.kent@bideawee.org to learn about the fees, steps, training, and certification necessary to volunteer as a Pet Therapy team.