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OVERVIEW
Thank you for your interest in our program! The Canine Corps has been delivering smiles to patients, visitors, and staff at Boulder Community Hospital since 2000. More than 35 pet therapy teams currently visit our facilities at Broadway, the Boulder Community Foothills Hospital, the Tebo Family Medical Pavilion (Cancer Center), and Mapleton Center.
Dogs accepted as members of the Canine Corps must pass a rigorous training program (a four week class), a temperament test administered by one of the program’s volunteer veterinarians, and a health check before being admitted to the program.
Canine Corps members are hospital volunteers. Handlers must attend the hospital’s volunteer orientation program and complete a health check and background check.
REQUIREMENTS
Dogs must be at least two years old and handlers must be a minimum of 18 years of age. All dogs who participate in the Boulder Community Hospital Canine Corps must be healthy and free from parasites, disease, infections, and illness. Participation in the program requires that your dog meet the following health requirements:
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pass a general physical exam annually, performed by your veterinarian
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receive rabies immunization as prescribed by state law
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be in compliance with other immunization requirements as prescribed by your veterinarian
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be free from internal and external parasites
Dogs who follow raw protein diets (raw or dehydrated, but otherwise raw, foods, chews, or treats of animal origin) are not eligible to participate in this program.
TRAINING
We usually do three or four classes per year (combined hospital classes). The training runs four weeks; three Saturdays and one week night. Cost of the class is $50, payable to the hospital, which covers materials and helps support the program. We find on average that about 60% of the teams that begin training continue on with the program. There is currently a waiting list of applications at Boulder Community Hospital.
IS THIS FOR YOUR DOG?
Following is a link to an excellent article by Patricia B. McConnnell, PhD, entitled "Dog Assisted Therapy: Is Your Dog a Good Fit?" We highly recommend you read this article before submitting your application for therapy dog work:
PLEASE NOTE: The following form will be sent to the BOULDER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL representative only. If you are wanting to apply to a different hospital therapy dog program, please go to the specific hospital page on this website and fill out the form there. DOGS ONLY, please:
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