Becoming a Member

Application

Becoming a member of Ottawa Therapy Dogs begins with supplying the information requested on the application form. The Volunteer Co-ordinator is available to answer any questions about the form, and about the process of becoming a working therapy team.

Orientation Session

Applicants are asked to attend an orientation session prior to evaluation. Successful applicants are asked to sign a confidentiality form, and are invited to join Ottawa Therapy Dogs. Some facilities require that therapy dog handlers attend an institutional volunteer training session, provide references and/or undergo police checks. (See: What to expect at an OTD orientation.)

OTD Evaluation

Ottawa Therapy Dogs (OTD) requires that dog (must be minimum of two years to be evaluated) and handler (the team) pass an evaluation by an OTD Evaluator. The fee for evaluation is $15, to be submitted with the application form, along with a copy of current rabies vaccination certificate and two pieces of ID which include name and birth date for police checks. (See: What to expect at an OTD evaluation.)

Application Process

After a successful evaluation, all required documentation:

an OTD registration form signed by the Evaluator and you,
OTD vet form signed by your vet, a scannable picture of your dog (you may email jpg picture to Registrar), and
$35.00 payable to Ottawa Therapy Dogs

...must be submitted to OTD Registrar at Suite 750, 1500 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1H 1B8. The application must be received within three months of the evaluation. The membership fee of $35 is renewable January 1 each year.

After receiving OTD membership, the Volunteer Co-ordinator will assist the new team in selecting a placement for therapy work, with the aim of finding a "good fit" and a rewarding experience for dog, handler and client(s). For the initial two visits, the handler accompanies an experienced therapy team, without bringing his/her own companion animal. Then the new team is accompanied by an experienced handler for two visits. This mentoring arrangement helps to support the new team in gaining skill and confidence in their work.

After the placement is underway, the Volunteer Co-ordinator is available to answer questions, help solve problems that may come up, or arrange for a change of placement or an expansion of duties, as needed. Handlers are required to inform the Co-ordinator if they wish to make changes in their placement

Ottawa Therapy Dogs meets during the year for orientation and evaluation sessions, as well as educational and social events. Members are invited to attend and help out at events.

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MEMBERS Becoming a Member Associate Members Team Member Profiles In Memoriam Application Forms OTD Member Application Form: Microsoft Word, 184KB PDF format, 197KB OTD Associate Member Application Form: Online Form Microsoft Word, 200KB PDF format, 159KB	Home > Members
	Becoming a Member Application Becoming a member of Ottawa Therapy Dogs begins with supplying the information requested on the application form. The Volunteer Co-ordinator is available to answer any questions about the form, and about the process of becoming a working therapy team. Orientation Session Applicants are asked to attend an orientation session prior to evaluation. Successful applicants are asked to sign a confidentiality form, and are invited to join Ottawa Therapy Dogs. Some facilities require that therapy dog handlers attend an institutional volunteer training session, provide references and/or undergo police checks. (See: What to expect at an OTD orientation.) OTD Evaluation Ottawa Therapy Dogs (OTD) requires that dog (must be minimum of two years to be evaluated) and handler (the team) pass an evaluation by an OTD Evaluator. The fee for evaluation is $15, to be submitted with the application form, along with a copy of current rabies vaccination certificate and two pieces of ID which include name and birth date for police checks. (See: What to expect at an OTD evaluation.) Application Process After a successful evaluation, all required documentation: an OTD registration form signed by the Evaluator and you, OTD vet form signed by your vet, a scannable picture of your dog (you may email jpg picture to Registrar), and $35.00 payable to Ottawa Therapy Dogs ...must be submitted to OTD Registrar at Suite 750, 1500 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1H 1B8. The application must be received within three months of the evaluation. The membership fee of $35 is renewable January 1 each year. After receiving OTD membership, the Volunteer Co-ordinator will assist the new team in selecting a placement for therapy work, with the aim of finding a "good fit" and a rewarding experience for dog, handler and client(s). For the initial two visits, the handler accompanies an experienced therapy team, without bringing his/her own companion animal. Then the new team is accompanied by an experienced handler for two visits. This mentoring arrangement helps to support the new team in gaining skill and confidence in their work. After the placement is underway, the Volunteer Co-ordinator is available to answer questions, help solve problems that may come up, or arrange for a change of placement or an expansion of duties, as needed. Handlers are required to inform the Co-ordinator if they wish to make changes in their placement Ottawa Therapy Dogs meets during the year for orientation and evaluation sessions, as well as educational and social events. Members are invited to attend and help out at events.