FAQS

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WHAT IS A THERAPY DOG?

Trained and certified to reduce stress, anxiety and to comfort those in a hospital, school, or various other settings. It typically takes more than a year of training, depending on the dog and handler team, to achieve Therapy Dog Team accreditation.
They work alongside their handlers, who are also their owners, and are granted special permission to enter facilities for visits.
Therapy dogs at BAMC have completed numerous levels of obedience training and have passed temperament, obedience and skills tests. 
BAMC Therapy Dogs and their handlers are volunteers who are assigned to specific areas that they visit regularly within BAMC.  In addition, they attend BAMC special events when requested.
All coordination is done through the BAMC Therapy Dog Program Coordinator and the program is supervised by the Public Affairs Office.

DO THE DOGS EVER GET TIRED?

Yes, each dog has a different level of endurance that dictates how many hours they can work in a day.

HOW OFTEN, WHEN, AND WHERE DO THE DOGS WORK?

Frequency of visits is up to the dog’s handler. It is determined by the owner’s availability and how long the dog tolerates working in a given day or week.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BECOME A BAMC THERAPY DOG TEAM?

Check out our "Join" page to understand the requirements for becoming part of the BAMC Therapy Dog Program. 

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A THERAPY DOG?

To become a therapy dog you must join an AKC recognized therapy organization. Requirements differ from organization to organization but typically include the dog passing a test (such as the Canine Good Citizen Test), a background check, yearly dues, and training for the handler.

HOW OFTEN DO THE DOGS GET GROOMED?

It depends on the dog. Most of them get groomed once every one or two months professionally. Each dog is required to be bathed within one week prior to a visit.

CAN YOU TRAIN MY DOG?

No, our organization does not train dogs. Each handler trained their own dog. Most of them used trainers or training programs in preparation for becoming a therapy dog.

WHERE DO THE DOGS LIVE?

Our program is made up of volunteers. The dogs work alongside their owners. When they are done volunteering they go back to their homes.

HOW MUCH TRAINING DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A THERAPY DOG?

It depends! Each dog is different and each therapy organization has different requirements. Most dogs need some formal training but it is not a requirement for all organizations.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE PROGRAM?

You can make a donation directly through PayPal.  
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=HRAHUHWELAW4L 

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Keep an eye on our social media for fundraisers and profit share nights. 

DO THE BAMC THERAPY DOGS VISIT PLACES OUTSIDE OF BAMC?

The BAMC Therapy Dogs are focused primarily on BAMC. There are occasions where the BAMC Therapy Dogs will support activities across Joint Base San Antonio. We do not attend events outside of JBSA.