- Overall stable in temperament
- Outgoing, friendly, happy, with a mature nature
- Non aggressive, non territorial, not overly shy nor hyper
- Adaptable to unfamiliar environments and situations
- Is generally quiet, does not vocalize excessively
- Reliably housebroken, well-groomed, in good health
- Compatible with other dogs and other types of animals encountered
in the same surroundings
- Tolerant of strange sounds, smells, and sights
- Tolerant of physical contact with unknown person(s), especially
in stressful situations
- Obedient to the PAT handler, easily controlled
- Presents a positive image for the organization
- Satisfies health and physical competency requirements of the
PAT therapy dog job description without a physical/medical condition
that restricts access to patients/residents nor that hinders overall
good mobility, causes decreased endurance, promotes self-protection
or untrustworthiness of physical contact by unfamiliar persons;
or that interferes with the overall performance of the dog as
a therapy dog or may be counter productive in some populations
by conveying a negative image.
- Is not certified/registered or currently used as an assistance
or service dog nor has received Schutzhund/guard/attack, personal
protection training and has no known public record/file of aggression.
- Not certified/registered with a different organization.
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- Exemplifies a true companion relationship with the PAT Therapy
Dog, e.g., the human/animal bond
- Thoroughly understands his/her Therapy Dog's reactions/responses
to the environment
- Is alert and aware of the environment and his/her dog's actions
and location at all times
- Is willing to make a positive commitment to volunteer service
- Is willing to easily approach, converse with, and motivate unfamiliar
persons
- Possesses a giving, caring, and sharing nature with a positive
attitude
- Is 21 years or older at time of initial application
- Has no criminal history and is not in community service restitution
program
- Is in overall good health without communicable health problems,
satisfies physical and mental competency requirements of the PAT
job description, physical involvement to be medium to heavy work
--- standing and walking for distances/lengths of time on even/uneven
surfaces, up/down on elevated surfaces, lifting bending, stooping,
crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, working with one's hands;
hearing, seeing, and speaking, ability to work as an individual
team without human assistance and without support equipment that
would compromise the safety of others.
- Exhibits clear and distinct verbal communication skills; be
able to speak, write, and read English well with abilities to
give, understand and follow directions/instruction.
- Must provide personal transportation.
- Does not have registration/certification with another organization
or currently workign the dog as a "therapy dog".
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