Animal Welfare

The welfare and comfort of my therapy animals is paramount. Therapy animals are just like humans...sometimes they're  just having a bad day. If I am prepping for a visit and I feel that the therapy animal is not feeling well or is not "in the mood" for a visit, I will either substitute the animal for a different therapy pet, with the permission of the organization, or reschedule the visit. 

If at anytime during the visit, I feel the therapy animal is becoming too stressed and a break in activities doesn't resolve the issue, I reserve the right to end the visit early. 

If the event is an outdoor event, I implement the "7 seconds rule" by placing my hand on the surface of the concrete or asphalt. If it is too hot for my hand then it is too hot for the therapy dog or alpaca to stand on. Also, if the outdoor heat indices are unsafe, the therapy visit will be rescheduled. 

Therapy animals will participate in visits no longer than two hours per day. 

All therapy animals have had an exam, are UTD on species-specific vaccinations,  and a veterinarian has signed  an exam form that they are in good health and are physically sound to participate in therapy visits. 

Mitigating disease 

All equipment is washed or wiped down after each visit. Harnesses, washable leashes, bandanas, blankets, etc. are washed after each visit. The cat carrier and leather leash is wiped down after each visit.

Therapy animals are wiped off with baby wipes throughout the visit when visiting with multiple clients.

Cat and dog is bathed/brushed/groomed and their nails are trimmed regularly.