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 ninth 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 are 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 Josephs Hospital. You may also go out on your own and find locations to visit with your dog. For more information please contact one of the AFCHS therapy dog coordinators Beverley Templeton or 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..

Training sessions are 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

Spring 2010 Therapy dogs training
1.Orientation is Thursday, February 18, 2010
@ Lodi Memorial Hospital Board Room, 975 S. Fairmont St.
2. Temperament test is Sunday, February 28, 2010 @ the AFCHS Sanctuary 933 S. Cherokee Lane. Lodi 3. 1st visit is Sunday, March 7, 20210
4. 2nd visit is Sunday, March 14, 2010
5. 3rd visit is Sunday, March 21, 2010

Fall 2010 Therapy dogs training
1. Orientation is Thursday, September 23, 2010 @ Lodi Memorial Hospital Board Room, 975 S. Fairmont St. Main Entrance at 7PM
2. Temperament test is Sunday, October 3, 2010
3. 1st visit is Sunday, October 10, 2010
4. 2nd visit is Sunday, October 17 2010
5. 3rd visit is Sunday, October 24, 2010

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. You cannot begin observations without the fecal examination proof. 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.

Step three in the therapy dog certification process will take place at a nursing home or hospital. You and your pet will be observed and graded at this time under real conditions. If you are unable to make a scheduled Sunday call (209) 365-0535 before 5 PM on Friday to cancel so that we are not waiting for you. Remember that this is a learning process for you and your dog. 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 LOCALLY. YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO MAKE IT UP BUT WILL HAVE TO DRIVE TO VACAVILLE FOR THAT.

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 Thursday, @ the Orientation.
Our Therapy Dogs Training is offered free, since we are a
non-profit we will GLADLY accept donations. For more information call 209-365-0535

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