Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of Aultman Hospital’s Happy Tails Visitation Program. Before submitting your Prospective Happy Tails Volunteer Form, please carefully review the requirements for both handlers and their dogs to ensure this opportunity is a good fit for you and your canine companion.

Handler Requirements

To ensure the safety, effectiveness and success of each visit, handlers must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum Age: Handlers must be at least 18 years old, as the role involves managing your dog while engaging with patients, families, and hospital staff.
• Volunteer Onboarding: Handlers must be willing to complete all Aultman Hospital volunteer requirements, including:
  • A personal interview
  • Criminal background check
  • Tuberculosis (TB) screening
  • A physician-signed health form
  • Annual flu vaccination
  • Purchase of a Happy Tails polo shirt and a dog scarf
• Program Screening: Handlers and their dogs must successfully complete the Happy Tails screening and evaluation process through PetPartners.org.
• Time Commitment: Handlers must commit to a minimum of two visits per month for at least one year.
• Program Guidelines: Handlers must follow all Happy Tails policies, including grooming and bathing their dog within 24 hours of each visit.
• Hospital Environment: Handlers should be comfortable working in a dynamic healthcare setting, be team-oriented and possess strong communication skills.

Dog Requirements

Our therapy dogs play a vital role in patient care, comfort and connection. To be eligible for the Happy Tails program, your dog must meet the following qualifications:

• Age and Ownership: Dogs must be at least one year old and must have lived with the handler for at least six months.
• Ownership Requirement: The dog must be owned by the handler who will participate in the visits.
• Evaluation: All dogs must pass an evaluation conducted by a Pet Partners certified evaluator.
• Health & Vaccinations: Prior to joining the program, dogs must be in good physical health, as determined by a licensed veterinarian. Required vaccinations include:
  • Rabies
  • DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)

We appreciate your dedication to bringing comfort and joy to our patients through the special bond between humans and animals. If you meet the requirements above and are ready to move forward, we look forward to reviewing your Prospective Happy Tails Volunteer Form and taking the next step together.