Educational Program - Therapy Dogs

AFCHS believes that animals make an invaluable contribution to human health and mental well-being. To support this belief, AFCHS maintains a Therapy Dog Program for dogs and their owners. The program is now in its twelfth year. Our Therapy Dog program consists of an orientation session, temperament testing and three on-site evaluations..

Upon successful completion of the AFCHS Therapy Dog program, dogs and their owners will be certified as a team. Once certified, teams can be scheduled for visits to local nursing homes or schools. We'd like you to become part of our team Let AFCHS schedule you to visit schools or nursing homes throughout the San Joaquin and surrounding areas, including Saint Joseph's Hospital. You may also go out on your own and find locations to visit with your dog. For more information please contact an AFCHS therapy dog coordinators Patricia Sherman at (209) 365-0535.

Training sessions are held twice a year in the Spring and Fall and are held in nursing homes in Stockton and Lodi..
To sign up for you and your dog please call 209-365-0535 or preferably email us at office@animalfriendsconnect.org and we will get back to you

Please call in advance to reserve your place there is a 25 to 30-dog maximum. You are required to print your own packet and bring it to the orientation; it will be emailed to you. ALL paperwork including fecal and vaccination must be complete at the testing or they your dog will not be tested – no exceptions. If you are a couple, you must each have your own copy of everything. You cannot share; a veterinarian must sign both of your separate copies.

Fall 2011 Therapy dogs training

1.Orientation is Monday, October 24th 2011
@ Lodi Memorial Hospital Board Room, 975 S. Fairmont St.

2. Temperament test is Sunday, November 6th 2011 location to be determined.
3. 1st visit is Sunday, November 13, 2011
4. 2nd visit is Sunday, November 20th, 2011
5. 3rd visit is Sunday, December 4th, 2011 - Locations to be determined

Spring 2012 Therapy dogs training
(dates not scheduled)
1. Orientation
2. Temperament test
3. 1st visit is Sunday,
4. 2nd visit is Sunday,
5. 3rd visit is Sunday,

Class size will be limited if you sign up please make a commitment to finish the training and to participate in the program. The time lapse between the Orientation and Temperament Test is so everyone has the required fecal examination before we start observations. Your dog will not be temperament tested without the fecal examination proof done by a veterinarian and signed paper work. The Application is part of your handouts and will give you instructions to have it signed/stamped by your veterinarian when you get proof of your pets fecal/vaccinations.

The therapy dog certification process will take place at a nursing home or hospital. You and your pet will be observed at this time under real conditions. Be alert, and above all…Relax. The enjoyment of this experience starts now.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO ONE OF THE SESSIONS WE ARE NO LONGER OFFERING MAKEUPS. YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO MAKE IT UP BUT WILL HAVE TO DRIVE TO GALT FOR A WEEKDAY APPOINTMENT.

Remember that these times are based on the facilities schedule. Choose AM or PM, but please be on time. Thanks again for your interest

Sign up for AM or PM preferences on Monday, @ the Orientation.

THE PAWS TO READ TRAINING (DaRT) “DOGS AND READING TEAMS”, FOLLOWS COMPLETION OF THE SPRING THERAPY DOGS TRAINING.