Canine Connection
Health Improvement Program
“Therapy dog” program that provides opportunities for motivational, educational, recreational, and therapeutic benefits to enhance the quality of life.
The Canine Connection program is divided into two categories:
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Animal Assisted Activities (AAA)
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Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
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AAA is delivered in a variety of environments by specially trained professionals, paraprofessionals and/or volunteers, in association with dogs that meet specific criteria.
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AAT is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process.
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What does this really mean?
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AAT is directed and/or delivered by a health/human service professional with specialized expertise, and within the scope of practice of his/her profession.
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Animal-assisted activities are basically the casual "meet and greet" activities that involve pets visiting people. The same activity can be repeated with many people, unlike a therapy program that is tailored to a particular person or medical condition.
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AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning [cognitive functioning refers to thinking and intellectual skills].
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Visit content is spontaneous and visits last as long or as short as needed
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AAT is provided in a variety of settings and may be group or individual in nature. This process is documented and evaluated.
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Canine Connection therapy dogs must pass an obedience & temperament test as well as a veterinary health check to become certified. The required tests will be conducted by evaluators from West Coast Assistance Teams. The team will also be required to attend an orientation on Animal Assisted Therapy. Therapy teams may choose to go out to facilities and work in an Animal Assisted Activity (AAA)) environment or the team can be matched with a particular professional to do more one on one work in an Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) capacity. Professionals may also choose to use their own dogs but will be required go through the same testing procedures to receive certification.
To become a Canine Connection Team please contact West Coast Assistance Teams
Mission Statement: To help people in their quest to become more self-reliant through a partnership with assistance dogs.
