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Organization:
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Ottawa Therapy Dogs
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Phone Numbers:
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613-261-6834
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Address:
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99-1568 Merivale Rd, Suite 369
Ottawa, ON
K2G 5Y7
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Hours:
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Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
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Public Contacts:
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Lorraine Douglas - Operations Manager
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Service Description:
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Animal-assisted therapy * Therapy dogs and handlers work as part of a patient’s healthcare team to meet their goals through the physical, emotional and social benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) * Therapy dog teams visit healthcare facilities, local hospitals, retirement residences, long-term care facilities, palliative care units, day programs, etc
Reading Education Assistance Program® (R.E.A.D.®): literacy initiative offered in local schools and libraries * improving reading fluency while building communication and social skills, self-esteem and confidence
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Fees:
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Evaluation fees, Handler and Associate Membership Fee
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Application:
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Volunteers: Complete pre-requirements on the website: www.ottawatherapydogs.ca/volunteer * Mandatory pre-screening interview with your dog and handler training followed by an Evaluation * A Police Records Check completed within the past 12 months and references required after successful evaluation * New teams complete a shadowing and mentoring process prior to beginning regular visits alone * A commitment of weekly or fortnightly visits required * Teams with weekday availability are in high demand, but evening/weekend placements are occasionally possible
Facilities: To request a team, fill in the Facility Application Form on the website * Although there is a waiting list of facilities that have requested a team, we do our best to match our volunteers with facilities based on a number of factors
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Eligibility / Target Population:
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Volunteers with dogs: Individuals 18 and over and their own dogs are evaluated as a team against specific test requirements. Dogs must be at least two years old and younger than 10 years at time of evaluation. Proof of rabies vaccination is required. Animals on raw food diets precluded from becoming therapy dogs. Subsequent annual check-ups with veterinary confirmation of health records, including up-to-date vaccinations and specific testing.
Volunteers without dogs: can contribute their skills and experience as associate members in areas such as event planning, marketing, communications, project management, etc
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Languages:
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English ; French
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Area Served:
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Gatineau and Ottawa (City of) and region
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Last Updated:
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10/6/2025
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Service Profile Web Address:
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eng/displayService.aspx?id=212293
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