Better Day Dogs - Pet Therapy Interventions
Background:
The benefits of participating in interventions with a therapy dog include reductions in stress and anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced emotional well-being. It has been demonstrated that interacting with therapy dogs can lower blood pressure, decrease feelings of loneliness, and boost overall mental health. Additionally, the physical act of patting or playing with a dog can increase the production of endorphins, promoting relaxation and happiness.
The team:
Jody is a Recreational Therapist and Certified Professional Dog Trainer. For over 10 years she volunteered with Paws Pet Therapy, visiting a wide range of facilities and client populations. For seven years, Jody held the committee position of Dog Trainer and Assessor for Paws Pet Therapy.
The Better Day Dogs are Bunny (11-year-old Jack Russell Terrier), Violet (3-year-old Dalmatian) and Tyrian (1 year old Labrador Retriever). Bunny worked as a Paws Pet Therapy for 10 years, including 5 years visiting Liverpool Hospital Palliative Care ward. Only one dog will work during each session. The dog selected will be chosen based on suitability for the facility and client group, as well as the therapy goals for the session.
Infection control:
Background:
The benefits of participating in interventions with a therapy dog include reductions in stress and anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced emotional well-being. It has been demonstrated that interacting with therapy dogs can lower blood pressure, decrease feelings of loneliness, and boost overall mental health. Additionally, the physical act of patting or playing with a dog can increase the production of endorphins, promoting relaxation and happiness.
The team:
Jody is a Recreational Therapist and Certified Professional Dog Trainer. For over 10 years she volunteered with Paws Pet Therapy, visiting a wide range of facilities and client populations. For seven years, Jody held the committee position of Dog Trainer and Assessor for Paws Pet Therapy.
The Better Day Dogs are Bunny (11-year-old Jack Russell Terrier), Violet (3-year-old Dalmatian) and Tyrian (1 year old Labrador Retriever). Bunny worked as a Paws Pet Therapy for 10 years, including 5 years visiting Liverpool Hospital Palliative Care ward. Only one dog will work during each session. The dog selected will be chosen based on suitability for the facility and client group, as well as the therapy goals for the session.
Infection control:
- Dogs receive annual vaccinations and undergo regular treatment to prevent infestation by worms, fleas and ticks.
- Dogs washed within 24 hours before every session.
- Handler trained in hand hygiene and infection control practices. Handler and client to use antibacterial hand gel before and after each interaction with a dog.
- Public Liability Insurance – Certificate of Currency
- Police Check, Working With Children Check, NDIS Worker Check Clearance
- Vaccination Certificates for Human and Dogs