ABOUT LUV ON A LEASH
Luv on a Leash Therapy Dogs, a project of the Pride Center of Staten Island, is dedicated to placing trained, registered therapy dog teams in meaningful programs throughout the Staten Island Community. Our dogs and their handlers provide comfort and caring in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, extended care and residential facilities, schools and agencies where therapy dogs can be of benefit. Luv on a Leash Therapy Dogs is funded through the generosity of The Bruce Geary Foundation.
At Luv on a Leash we guide you through the process of becoming a therapy dog team. We help train and prepare you for your registration credentials. Then we work with you to find a suitable match among our Staten Island facilities. After you have been placed, we continue to support, advocate, and educate so you can make the most of your volunteer experience.
ABOUT THERAPY DOGS
Therapy dogs are dogs who go with their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, social service agencies and nursing homes. From working with a child who is learning to read to visiting a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people.
Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Service dogs are dogs who are specially trained to perform specific tasks to help a person who has a disability. Volunteering with a therapy dog or other pet is known as animal assisted therapy.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG IS RIGHT?
A good therapy dog needs to have a positive, happy, accepting personality, good basic obedience and is tolerant of loud noises and awkward situations.
See REQUIREMENTS LINK for more.
THE ROLE OF THE HUMAN HALF OF THE TEAM
The human half, or handler, must know how to identify and decrease stress in the dog, interact with different types of people, comply with health and safety codes and observe patient confidentiality.
HOW TO BECOME A LUV ON A LEASH THERAPY DOG TEAM
Fill out the Luv on a Leash Volunteer Form on this page, for more information on how to join the Luv on a Leash family of volunteers contact Deborah Green, Volunteer Director or call 718 808-1381
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH BECOMING A THERAPY DOG TEAM
There are training costs and registration fees but if you need help to cover these cost please talk with Deborah. Also, a visit to your animal’s veterinarian is required to complete a health screening. Registration is good for two years. Teams are required to have a reevaluation every two years.
WHERE WE VISIT
Beacon of Hope
The Brielle at Seaview
Camp Good Grief
Carmel Richmond Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center PACE Program PS 78R Read With Me
Geller House Staten Island Early Learning Center
Staten Island Family Justice Center
Staten Island University Hospital
Pride Center of Staten Island
If you are interested in having Luv on a Leash visit your site please contact Deborah Green for more information.
NEXT SCHEDULED EVENT:
Contact: Deborah Green, at 718 808-1381 or dgreen@pridecentersi.org
