Canines for Therapy - Renewal Registration

As a certified Canines for Therapy Team, you represent Canines for Service, Inc. ("CFS") and its mission to serve the community through trained therapy dog teams. By completing the program and certification process, you agree to abide by the following policies and responsibilities:

1. Commitment & Communication

• As a representative of CFS, you agree to conduct yourself and present your therapy dog in a professional, respectful, and safe manner at all times.
• When scheduled for a visit or event, your commitment is important. If you are unable to attend, you must notify the Therapy Coordinator as soon as possible so a substitute team may be arranged.
• You must carry your CFT certification letter and ID123 card with you during visits.

2. Appearance & Attire

• You are expected to wear your Canines for Therapy Team shirt (when provided) along with business casual attire. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
• Your therapy dog must wear the Canines for Therapy Team vest during all visits.
• Seasonal accessories (e.g., bandanas, scarves) are permitted only if the dog is comfortable. Costumes or full clothing are not allowed.

3. Visit Documentation & Reporting

• You must maintain a personal record of each visit, including the date, time, and location.
• By the start of each month, submit your volunteer hours to the CFS office.

4. Prohibited Conduct

• While on visits, attending events, or performing duties as a Canines for Therapy Team, the following are strictly prohibited:
• Possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs
• Consumption of alcohol
• Abusive use of controlled substances
• Violation of this policy may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

5. Animal Welfare & Incident Reporting

• Any report of mistreatment of the therapy dog by the handler will result in:
• First offense: Warning issued
• Second offense: Immediate dismissal and removal of the dog’s vest
• All incidents at a facility must be reported to CFS immediately following the event. Failure to report may result in the withdrawal of your therapy team certification.
• If CFS receives a report of an incident involving either the handler or the dog:
• First offense: Warning issued
• Second offense: Immediate dismissal, removal of the therapy vest, and withdrawal of certification

6. Grounds for Dismissal

• Grounds for dismissal from the program include, but are not limited to:
• Violations of this agreement or program policies
• Failure to report incidents
• Unprofessional or unsafe behavior by the handler or the dog

7. Liability & Insurance Coverage

• As a certified Canines for Therapy Team, you are covered under the Canines for Service Volunteer Liability Insurance, except in the following circumstances:
• You or your dog causes a loss to another CFT volunteer — you are liable
• You or your dog acts intentionally or outside the scope of CFT activities — you are liable
• A claim exceeds the limits of CFS’s commercial general liability coverage — you are liable
• You understand that:
• You are not financially compensated for your volunteer services
• You may not perform therapy dog visits for your normal place of employment
• Dual registration with another therapy dog organization will void your CFT certification

8. Acknowledgment and Agreement

• By continuing, I confirm that I have read and understand the above policies, expectations, and insurance terms. I agree to represent Canines for Service as a certified therapy team and uphold the mission and values of the organization.