How to Take a Dog to a Children's Hospital

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Ensure that your dog is very well socialized and shows no signs of aggression. Your dog should know basic obedience commands and be current on all vaccinations.
Step 2:
Obtain a Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) certificate. Most therapy dog groups won't certify your dog for therapy work unless he is already a CGC. A CGC certificate is proof that your dog is reliable in all basic obedience commands and is friendly with strangers.
Step 3:
Join a therapy dog group. The group will evaluate your dog to make sure he is a good candidates for therapy dog work. A benefit to working with a group is that most of them have insurance to cover you and your dog.
Step 4:
Clean your dog before you take him to the hospital. Bathe him no more than 2 days before the visit. Ensure that he is free of fleas and ticks. The appearance of you and your dog reflects on other therapy dogs and their handlers, so make a good impression.
Step 5:
Enjoy yourself. Take pride in being able to share your dog with children who need the extra comfort that only a furry friend can provide.

Tips & Warnings

Only take your dog on hospital visits if he enjoys the experience. It's not fair to put him in situations in which he is uncomfortable.

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