Hello Everyone --
I just want to put out a reminder about holding on to your leash. You must hold onto your leash with your hand, not draped over your shoulder, your lap, your foot, tie it your purse or therapy dog bag, you must handle the leash with your hand according to ATD Rule # 38 on page 12 of your 2023 Member Handbook. Below is the direct quote from the Member Handbook:
"38. Only the certified handler may handle his/her dog: Handlers must never leave their dogs alone with staff, patients, or visitors. The leash must be held by the member’s hand and may not be hooked or attached to the member’s body, belt, chair, wall, purse, or another person, etc."
Please remember this for ALL visits. I know it can be easy to forget when you have a dog that is easy to handle and is just laying there, in someone's lap or when I am going around taking photographs, but this is the rule and it something were to happen and it was determined that you did not follow this rule or any other rule our insurance policy would be void for the incident and you would be liable for the fees.
--
Joel
T/O
Alliance of Therapy Dogs
Joel