Canines for Therapy Registration - Wilmington

This agreement outlines the expectations, rules, and participation requirements for all handlers and dogs enrolled in Canines for Therapy. By registering, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms below.

1. Dog Eligibility and Conduct

• Dogs must be at least 1 year old and have resided in the handler’s home for a minimum of 6 months.
• Dogs must be up to date on the following vaccinations prior to registering for courses: Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian
• Dogs that display uncontrollable, unpredictable, or aggressive behavior, in the judgment of the training instructor, will be removed from the group class and referred to private instruction or specialty behavior training.
• Any dog that deliberately marks (urination/defecation) inside the facility will be immediately removed from class and disqualified from therapy dog eligibility.
• Dogs exhibiting submissive urination by the 5th week of class will be considered not qualified for evaluation. Reassessment may be available at a later date.

2. Handler Eligibility and Conduct

• Handlers must be at least 10 years of age.
• Ages 10–17 must be accompanied by a participating parent or responsible adult during each class.
• Children under 10 are not permitted to participate and must be accompanied by a non-participating adult at all times on the premises and during visits.
• Business casual attire is required. Closed-toe shoes or sneakers are mandatory. Flip-flops, slides, and cutoff shorts are not allowed.
• Any form of physical punishment, including hitting or harsh correction, will result in immediate dismissal from the class without a refund.

3. Leash, Equipment, and Safety

• Dogs must always remain on leash while on the premises or during visits. The leash is never to be dropped under any circumstances.
• Acceptable equipment includes:
• Flat neck buckle collars
• Head harnesses (e.g., Halti, Gentle Leader, Snoot Loop)
• Easy Walk-type harnesses (handler must maintain effective control)
• Handlers are required to clean up after their dogs on the training premises.

4. Medical and Behavioral Exceptions

• Female dogs in heat are not permitted to attend class. Owners may request a transfer to a future session.
• Any dog that exhibits aggression, attempts to bite, or bites during class will be immediately dismissed.
• A bite incident will be reported to local animal control and the handler’s veterinarian.

5. Attendance Policy

• The first two classes are mandatory. Missing either class may result in disqualification from program completion.
• Missing more than one class (regardless of the reason) will disqualify the team from the final assessment.
• Handlers should only enroll in a session they can commit to in full.

6. Repeat Handlers / Returning Teams

• Previous graduates may request an evaluation for a new dog without retaking the full class.
• If the team does not pass the initial assessment after the second attempt, they must enroll and complete the full course with the new animal.

     7. Refund Policy

• The hosting organization will handle refunds and is subject to its internal policies. No refunds will be issued for dismissals based on policy violations.