Assessments

The ASSESSMENT process is actually a two-fold procedure. Firstly you need to pass a Paws for People® assessment, to evaluate you and your dogs suitability to become and Paws for People®Therapy Dog Team. These assessments are held a few times a year in different locations nationwide. Secondly, once you pass the suitability assessment you will need to attend 6 supervised Paws for People® visits to various institutions. (You may not however do any hospital visits until fully qualified, registered and deemed competent to do so). 

1) The Assessment (to gauge your suitability as a prospective Paws for People® therapy dog team):

PLEASE make sure you read the Therapy Dog Requirements so that you know what is expected from you and your dog prior to, and at the assessment. You need to pre-book and and download and submit the necessary prospective handler form via fax or e-mail, and bring the signed Mandatory assessment form along with you, on the day of your assessment.

The Mandatory Assessment form clarifies our expectations for you and your dog, at the assessment. It includes your appropriate dress and demeanour, your dog's grooming and pest control, the appropriate and acceptable equipment you need, that you need to have a completed vet clearance report (signed by a vet and done within 10 days prior to the assessment) as well as your dog's up-to-date rabies and vaccination certificate and the basic obedience commands your handler and dog team must be capable of executing. 

Note: Since a fecal-flotation test will be required once you start doing your supervised visits, it would make sense to do this at the same time as getting your vet clearance report!

Apart from bringing a signed copy of the Mandatory Assessment form with you, you will need your dog's vaccination & rabies certificate, the signed vet clearance report and a fee of R30.

The next assessment date will be posted shortly :-)

2) The Supervised Visits

The Paws for People® procedure, once you have passed your initial assessment, is detailed in this Procedure document

After you have passed your assessment, which gauges you and your dog's suitability to become a Paws for People® Therapy Dog Team, you need to successfully complete 6 supervised visits.These visits need to commence within 1 calendar month of your assessment!

You will be required to register with Paws for People before commencing any supervised visits, and will need to pay the annual R75 (per dog) to cover public liability insurance.

Before your dog is allowed on any visits you need to have a regimented pest control program in place. This includes the monthly application of Frontline and Milbemax or Program Plus deworming at least once every two months. We also require a fecal-flotation test be done at your vet, prior to commencing visits and then, twice annually (results must be available, if requested). We recommend your dog also wear a Preventic collar for added protection against ticks. 

You will need to compile a file with all your up-to-date documentation (detailed in the Procedure document) as well as the Supervised Visits Sign-off sheet, which will need to be completed by the Unit Leader each time you attend a supervised visit with your dog.

You need to be cognizant of the Working Parameters which outlines the rules, regulations and responsibilities - pay particular attention to the section detailing the Paws for People®Therapy Dog HANDLER responsibilities!

Additionally you will need a bag or backpack which contains your file with all the necessary documentation as well as any grooming gear (e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, anti-bacterial sprays or wipes, dog brushes); toys treats and appropriate training aids; clean-up materials (in case your dog has an accident) etc.