Pet Therapy Program
What Is Pet Therapy?
Pet Therapy is a program that provides animal socialization for residents of nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, children's group homes, hospitals and prisons. The dogs in this program are certified through Therapy Dogs, Inc., (TDI), based in Wyoming.
Who Qualifies for Pet Therapy?
- Any person (handler) over the age of 16.
- Any dog, at least one year old and not of wolf descent, who likes people, gets along with other dogs, and has basic obedience skills (listens to you 99% of the time).
What Is the Process?
- Orientation meeting with TDI Evaluator, where guidelines are discussed. Handler (owner) brings dog and his/her proof of rabies vaccination and negative fecal test.
- Three (3) observation visits at a facility. During these visits, the evaluator observes the dog in action.
- Upon completion of observation visits (within 6 months after orientation), handler is given paperwork to mail to TDI.
- Once certificate and tags are received from TDI, handler and dog may start coordinating visits with the Humane Society's Pet Therapy Coordinator, or individually with facilities.
Next Orientation is TBA
Humane Society office located at 307 E. Jane St.
| Name | Phone | ||
| Current TDI Evaluators | Bobby Yarbrough | bobbyyarbrough@bellsouth.net | |
| Kelli Affeldt | 740-9023 | ||
| Current Pet Therapy Coordinator | Angela Kufrovich | angeldutch2@earthlink.net volunteer@humanesocietyofvaldosta.org |
(229) 247-3266 ext. 24 |