Present day living has seen great changes in the family network with people living longer, families spread across Canada, and even the world. As a result, more people than ever are spending the last years of their lives in hospitals and nursing homes. The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program was created to bring comfort and love to these people.

     The St. John volunteer is readily accepted as most people recognize the Badge of St. John, and they feel they are not being asked to welcome a stranger into what is often their "last home". Why is the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program so Successful?

     Great Care is taken in the set-up of the program to ensure that everyone availing themselves of this free community service is comfortable with its procedures:

	All dogs are tested for temperament and good manners by qualified evaluators using a test specially formulated for St. John Therapy Dogs. The test simulates some of the exceptional circumstances the dogs may encounter.
	The volunteers are carefully screened.
	Annual health records of all dogs are kept on file.
	New volunteers and their dogs are accompanied by experienced dog/handler teams for mentoring during the early stages of their introduction to the visiting program. They are carefully monitored and coached on visiting techniques and practices.
	Volunteers and their dogs are recognised for their commitment.
	Activity / Recreational directors are happy to know that both handler and dog are insured, and that the volunteer has made the commitment to make regular visits.

     Anyone who will benefit from the regular petting and love of a dog. This includes Residents of Nursing Homes, Adult Day Care Centres, Retirement residences, Hospitals, particularly the long-term care units, and Correctional Facilities.

     We also visit schools to educate young children on how to safely approach a dog, and how to avoid being bitten by a dog.

     St. John volunteers visit the same people with the same dog on a regular weekly basis (ideally the same time and day each week). No more than two dogs are ever present in the same area at the same time, thus avoiding a "circus" and allowing for the quiet time needed for person/animal bonding to take place.

How Does One Become a Volunteer in the Program?

     Anyone who has a well-mannered dog (of any breed legally allowed in Canada) with a wonderful temperament can apply to join the program.

     The intake/screening process includes completing an application form, providing references, current criminal records check, and veterinarian certificate. This is followed by a mandatory pre-evaluation seminar, then individual interviews with each handler. Successful applicants will then have their dog Evaluated by an evaluator qualified within the St. John Ambulance organization.

What is the Commitment Involved?

     Volunteers must be able to make the commitment of time to visit on a regular basis, as residents look forward to the dogs' visits. This is approximately two hours each week. There is also the requirement to attend a minimum of two of our quarterly meetings each year.

     Other activities we have on our calendar include the annual Blessing of the Dogs church service, public relations activities, such as assisting at Pet Expos, and other public displays, participating in local Parades (i.e. Santa Claus and Canada Day) and supporting the Medical volunteers on duty at the Cobourg Waterfront Festival.

St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs Visiting Rules All dogs must be one year or older and pass the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog test, which will be administered by a St. John Ambulance certified evaluator. NOTE: Dogs that have not passed testing and have not completed the required probationary visits will not be allowed to visit. All volunteers must be members in good standing with St. John Ambulance. The Therapy Dog uniform (comprised of a St. John Therapy Dog golf or sweat shirt, and black or grey pants or skirt) must be worn on all visits. Dogs will wear a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog identification tag, scarf, and red leash. All dogs must have a current rabies certificate and up-to-date vaccination for distemper, hepatitis, para-influenza, and parvovirus. Verification will be required and kept on file. The necessary forms are available from Ontario Council. Visiting dogs must be clean, well-groomed, and always on a leash. No more than two dogs should be in the same visiting area at any one time. The dog : handler visiting ratio is one dog per handler. No dog shall be tested or allowed to visit if it is in season. No dog shall be tested or allowed to visit while wearing a haltie, promise, prong- or chain-type collar. A flat leather or nylon collar or a harness is required along with a flat leather or nylon leash, four to six feet in length. Keep a record of all visits and number of hours volunteered and report them regularly to your coordinator. If unable to fulfill your obligations, please notify your coordinator. DOGS MUST BE UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE HANDLER AT ALL TIMES

Humane Society Pet Expo. Waterfront Festival Cobourg Santa Claus Parade