Pets For Therapy

Welcome to Pets for Therapy

Our aim is to give
Joy, Love
and Laughter

The Volunteers of Pets for Therapy

How to become a volunteer?

You are probably a volunteer by heart already, and if you like to support our

"Pets for Therapy" program, please read the following guide lines and contact us.

Do you have an obedience trained dog of good temperament?

Do you have a few hours free?

Would you like to join our happy, friendly group of volunteers, visiting Nursing Homes, Respite Centers, Special Schools, etc.?
Contact Yvonne Cody for more information, click here.

If you don't have a dog, you still can support us, we always are in need of people who help with setups, building props, wrapping gifts, helping with transport, with organisation, fundraising and many more - please contact us.

Requirements for Volunteers and to be a member of the team

1. The volunteer (handler) and dog must have reached at least the standard of training required for the Council Certificate of a trained dog ( i.e. passed post grad ).
   They should have preferably trained in a class situation so that both handler and dog are experienced in working at close quarters with other dogs and handlers.
   (The exception to this rule would be baby puppies ( under 5 months of age ) with experienced handlers.'
   Even then, the puppy must pass the team leaders assessment for temperament
   (excitability, fear etc.), bad habits ( e.g.. mouthing,) length of claws, vocalisation etc.
   
   
2. All dogs (members) must pass the team leaders assessment for temperament, cleanliness, claw length, bad habits etc.
   
   
3. Handlers should understand the risks and the hazards of dogs in Nursing Homes
   
   
4. Handlers should be conversant with the benefits of dogs to Nursing Homes.
   
   
5. Handlers should be able to control their dog by voice alone, and in a quiet voice at that, without causing alarm to residents.
   
   
6. Handlers should be capable of being team players and respect the team leaders authority, directives and discretion in public.
   
   
7. THERE should always be the opportunity after every home visit for debriefing , consensus or disagreement, discussion and planning for future visits.
   This should only take place out of earshot of residents, their families, carers and staff.
   
   
8. THERE are standards of dress, grooming and personal presentation of handlers outlined.
   
   
9. BEFORE commencing work as a " Pet For Therapy" dog, every dog should have met and become familiar with all the other members of the team ( dogs and handlers ) and be stable amongst them.

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Our Volunteers

Yvonne Cody Founder of "Pets for Therapy"

Jo Jo - co-founder

and Misty

1. Cyn D with pet: BeeCee - Border Collie
2. Ricki with pet: Zumba - Rhodesian Ridgeback
3. Karen with pet: Moet - Miniature Poodle
4. Betty with pet: Susie - Toy Maltese
5. Sonja with pet: Ambra - Bichon Frise
6. Keven & Benjamin - Benjamin, Edward - Dachshund & Maltese Cross - Bobby  Greyhound
7. Robyn & Mia - Mia is a female Border Collie -
8. Leoni & Max A Million - Bichon Frise
9. Julianne & Charlie Brown - Fergie  Toy Poodle
10. Barabra & Sam - Australian Silkie Terrier
11. Jeanette & Pappy  Pappilon
12. Paula &  Gypsey   Belgian Shepherd
13. Debbie     &  Kirra   German Shepherd
14. Betty   &  George   Jack Russell
15. Glenda  &  Gemma  Toy Poodle
16. Debbie  &  Roxy  Cocker Spaniel
17. Sue and Lucy ( Toy Poodle 3 yrs)
18. Robyn and Huey.(Tibetin Spaniel X ) 1 year
19. Amanda & Oswald ( Beagle )
20. Christine & Amie ( Cocker Spaniel )
21. Sylvia & Gryffin ( Corgy )
22. Cavelle & Frank ( Sunnyboy - Red Toy Poodle )
23. Sandy & Zak ( Jack Russell )
24. Sue & Peter ( Lucy Toy Silver Poodle - Pudel )
25. Missy & Muffin ( Cross Maltese Shitzu )

Volunteers without dogs:

1. Mary-Anne
2. Glenis
3. Merrawyn
4. Jannet & Nigel
5. Sylvia ( 93 )
6. Jun & Lee

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