Alliance of Therapy Dogs
In an era where mental health and emotional well-being are increasingly prioritized, therapy dogs have emerged as invaluable companions, offering comfort and support to individuals across various settings. Among the organizations dedicated to this noble cause, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) stands out for its commitment to certifying and supporting therapy dog teams. This blog post delves into the mission, operations, and impact of ATD, providing a comprehensive overview for those interested in the world of therapy dogs.
Understanding the Alliance of Therapy Dogs
The Alliance of Therapy Dogs is a non-profit organization that provides testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities. Their objective is to form a network of caring individuals and their special dogs who are willing to share smiles and joy with people, young and old alike (Alliance of Therapy Dogs, n.d.)
Mission and Vision
ATD’s mission revolves around the belief that therapy dogs can bring comfort and happiness to those in need. By facilitating visits to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other institutions, ATD aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals facing various challenges.
Services Offered
ATD offers a range of services to support therapy dog teams:
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Testing and Certification: Ensuring that dogs and their handlers meet the necessary standards to provide safe and effective therapy.
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Registration: Maintaining an international registry of certified therapy dog teams.
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Support: Providing resources and guidance to members throughout their volunteering journey.
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Insurance: Offering liability insurance coverage for members during their volunteer activities (Alliance of Therapy Dogs, n.d.)
The Role of Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection and comfort to individuals in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and disaster areas. Unlike service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs interact with a wide range of people to offer emotional support (Verywell Mind, 2012).
Benefits of Therapy Dogs
Research has shown that interactions with therapy dogs can lead to numerous psychological and physiological benefits, such as:
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Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Physical contact with dogs can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress (Beetz et al., 2012).
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Improved Mood: The presence of a therapy dog can elevate mood and provide a sense of comfort.
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Enhanced Social Interaction: Therapy dogs can serve as social catalysts, encouraging communication among individuals.
Becoming a Member of ATD
Joining the Alliance of Therapy Dogs involves a structured process to ensure that both the handler and the dog are well-suited for therapy work.
Eligibility Criteria
To become a member, applicants must:
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Be at least 18 years old: Handlers must be adults to ensure responsibility and maturity during visits.
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Own a dog at least one year old: Dogs must have reached a certain level of maturity.
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Ensure the dog is in good health: Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are mandatory.
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Demonstrate a calm and friendly demeanor: Dogs should be comfortable around strangers and in various environments (Alliance of Therapy Dogs, n.d.).
Certification Process
The certification process includes:
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Background Check: Ensuring the handler has no criminal history that could pose a risk during visits.
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Observation Visits: Conducted by an ATD Tester/Observer to assess the dog’s behavior in real-world settings.
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Final Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment to confirm the team’s readiness for therapy work (Alliance of Therapy Dogs, n.d.).
Distinguishing Therapy Dogs from Other Support Animals
It’s essential to differentiate therapy dogs from service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs):
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Service Dogs: Trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities; protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Provide comfort to individuals with mental health conditions; limited legal protections.
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Therapy Dogs: Visit facilities to provide comfort to various individuals; no special legal rights under the ADA (Verywell Mind, 2012). You can get your Therapy Dog certified today as a support animal through CertifyESA—Legitimate service that connects hundreds of therapy dog owners with a licensed professional who can help.
Impact and Outreach
The Alliance of Therapy Dogs has a significant presence, with members located in every U.S. state, as well as in Puerto Rico, Canada, and on American military bases worldwide. Their extensive network allows for widespread outreach, bringing joy and comfort to countless individuals (Alliance of Therapy Dogs, n.d.).
Conclusion
The Alliance of Therapy Dogs plays a pivotal role in promoting the therapeutic benefits of canine companionship. Through rigorous certification processes and unwavering support for its members, ATD ensures that therapy dog teams are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve. Whether you’re considering becoming a member or simply wish to learn more, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs offers a wealth of resources and opportunities to get involved.
References
Alliance of Therapy Dogs. (n.d.). A National Pet Therapy Dogs Organization – Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.therapydogs.com/alliance-therapy-dogs/
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234.
Verywell Mind. (2012). How Therapy Dogs Can Improve Mental and Physical Health. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/therapy-dogs-benefits-2615438
