Thank you for your interest in becoming part of Aultman Hospital’s Happy Tails Visitation Program. Please review the following requirements before applying.

Handler Requirements

Handlers must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold current handler and dog team certification through Pet Partners or The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs.
• Complete all Aultman Hospital volunteer onboarding requirements, including:
  • Personal interview
  • Criminal background check
  • Tuberculosis screening
  • Physician-signed health form
  • Annual flu vaccination
  • Volunteer orientation and required training
  • Purchase of a Happy Tails polo shirt and dog scarf
• Successfully complete the Aultman Hospital Happy Tails screening and assessment process.
• Commit to at least two visits per month for a minimum of one year.
• Follow all Happy Tails policies and procedures, including bathing and grooming the dog within 24 hours before each visit.
• Be dependable, team-oriented and comfortable interacting professionally with patients, visitors, volunteers and hospital staff.

Dog Requirements

Dogs must:

• Be at least one year old.
• Be owned by the participating handler and have lived with the handler for at least six months.
• Maintain current certification through Pet Partners or The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs.
• Be in good physical health, as determined by a licensed veterinarian.
• Meet all health and vaccination requirements established by the certifying organization and Aultman Hospital.
• Have current rabies and DHPP vaccinations.
• Be reliably house-trained and comfortable around unfamiliar people, medical equipment, noises and activity commonly found in a hospital environment.

The Happy Tails application and onboarding process can take up to four weeks. Applicants who do not successfully complete all application screening, orientation and assessment requirements will not be accepted into the program.