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What
is Therapy Dogs International?
Therapy
Dogs International, Inc. (TDI) is a volunteer organization
dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy
dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting
nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and wherever
else therapy dogs are needed.
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When
was TDI established?
TDI was founded in 1976 in New Jersey (Founder, Elaine Smith).
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What
types of dogs are used?
TDI registers all breeds of dogs. Some dogs have pedigrees,
while others have been adopted from local shelters or are
rescue dogs.
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How
many dogs are registered?
Year
2006, over 15,000 dogs and approximately 13,000 handlers
are registered with TDI.
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Where
do the dogs volunteer?
We
have volunteer dogs and their handlers in all 50 states
as well as some in Canada.
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What
are the requirements for joining TDI?
To
belong to Therapy Dogs International, Inc., all dogs must
be tested and evaluated by a Certified TDI Evaluator.
A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year of age and have
a sound temperament. Each dog must pass the American
Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC), and a temperament
evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog.
The test will also include the evaluation of the dog's behavior
around people with the use of some type of service equipment
(wheelchairs, crutches, etc.).
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What
are the health requirements?
We require our Health Record Form to be completed and signed
by a licensed veterinarian.
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