The HOPKINS HOUNDS Pack
To be a part of Hopkins Hounds Therapy Dog program, all dogs are required to be a member of BBSP and meet the guidelines.
Dogs must be certified with the
Canine Good Citizen Title
Once registered with BBSP, and upon passing the evaluation, handlers will be notified to complete the badging process and will be fingerprinted for a background check.
The Handler and their Therapy Dog:
· Agrees to volunteer at minimum of 2 hours at least once a month and will keep an accurate record of hours of volunteered and participate in training programs and meetings relevant to Hopkins Hounds Therapy Dog Program.
· Will meet and greet airport guests so they may easily approach you and your dog by destressing and calming the passengers as well as providing airport information and wayfinding
· Agrees to be reliable and prompt. When unable to fulfill duties, handler will notify BBSP or CLE as early as possible.
· Must be sincere in the offer of service and take commitment seriously
· Will be friendly and courteous and display professional attitude and appearance.
· Will strictly adhere to security regulations and abide by CLE policies
· Will address any comments/suggestions/complaints from airport guest by notifying either the BBSP or CLE coordinator
HEALTH REQUIREMENT
· To register your dog, your veterinarian must complete our health certificate. We require your veterinarian’s professional assessment regarding your dog’s suitability for therapy work.
· Upon initial registration and each annual renewal, please provide:
· Verification that your dog has been examined by a veterinarian within the past year, accompanied by a completed health certificate or valid shot record confirming current vaccinations for:
✓ Rabies
✓ Bordetella
✓ DHLPP
· For vaccinations other than rabies, documented titer levels from your veterinarian are acceptable.
· Proof of a recent fecal examination.
· Please maintain up-to-date vaccination records; if your dog receives updated vaccinations during the year, submit the new records promptly.
Dogs are ineligible for visitation if they have experienced any of the following within the previous 24 hours:
· Vomiting and/or diarrhea
· Symptoms indicative of a communicable disease
· Open wounds, post-surgical pain, or other injuries
· Female dogs must not be "in season" while being tested or participating in visitations. Maternity leave is required for female dogs, beginning 30 days prior to delivery and continuing until 60 days post-partum.
· If your dog experiences a significant illness, accident, or disability resulting in disqualification from visitation for more than two weeks:
· Notify our office immediately.
· Following treatment, your veterinarian must re-examine your dog and complete our Health Certificate confirming your dog is healthy, pain-free, and fit to resume therapy duties.
Before each visit, ensure your dog meets the following criteria:
· Clean, well-groomed, and free from parasites
· Nails trimmed and filed to prevent sharp edges
· Teeth, eyes, and ears are clean
· In good overall health
· Has exercised and eliminated waste prior to visitation
Most facilities require dogs to be bathed before each visit. Follow facility rules, but keep your dog's health in mind, as some breeds shouldn't be bathed often. Dogs must always be clean.
Flea and tick treatments use strong chemicals; do not apply them within 48 hours before a therapy visit. Some products, like Frontline, need extra time to absorb fully.
Insurance Coverage
You and your dog can bring joy to others by sharing comfort, affection, and calming interactions. As a dependable volunteer, you'll also enjoy the added perk of insurance coverage.