1. Familiarize you dog with stairs and elevators before you begin working at a facility. When the doors open, wait a moment to allow for people getting on and off. When entering an elevator be considerate, if the elevator is occupied, ask if you may enter with your dog. Go to the back of the elevator, have your dog sit tucked up close next to you and stay. He should stay until it's safe to leave the elevator and you've released him. Doors at stairways are important too.
   
   

2. Help your dog become more familiar with linoleum and carpeted surfaces if necessary.
   
   

3. Walk your dog well before entering a facility and always clean up after your dog. Be sure to carry plastic clean-up bags with you. If an accident does occur - apologize and you clean it up!
   
   

4. Many facilities are hot, if you want to give your dog a drink, try to wait until the end of your visit (often, what goes in must come out). 
   
   

5. Always be on the lookout for signs of stress. Start your visits at a half-hour and gradually work up to one-hour visits per week, never longer. Take time off from visits if you think your dog needs to take a break.
   
   

6. Don't let anyone pick your dog up - watch your dog at all times! Lookout for the floor; many times we have found pills on the floor! Keep your dog at your side at all times.
   
   

7. If working in an area you consider to be "risky", arrange for on site parking before your visit.
   
   

8. Facilities can seldom provide a secured place for purses. We try to leave our purses at home and wear clothing with large pockets to keep our wallets (with drivers license, etc.) with us at all times. Fanny packs work well too.
   
   

9. Dogs must be kept on a leach at all times. Bright red is therapy dog red - we use bright red harnesses and leashes with our ID tags when we conduct therapy dog visits to identify our dogs as service dogs at work.
   
   

10. Be sure to let facilities know what your specific guidelines are and what to expect from you and your dog.
    
    

11. Be courteous about your appointments - try to be on time; if you can't, call and let them know and try to give as much notice as possible, if you have to cancel an appointment. Try to reschedule right away. 
    
    

12. If your dog is a breed that drools or slobbers, bring a wash cloth with you to wipe his face and make petting him more appealing.
    
    

13. Handlers should be clean and well groomed as well. Many facilities are hot and dry; wear light cool clothing with many layers so you can be comfortable when it's cold outside.
    
    

14. You are a large portion of this visit; smile and introduce your dog by name, try to engage the patient in conversation. Encourage them to pet your dog. Teaching your dog simple commands like "go visit" or "say hello" can help minimize confusion. Larger breeds can be taught commands such as "paws up" to allow them to get closer to patients in beds and wheelchairs. Guide the anxious hand to pet our dog. Praise your dog for his good work and give him confidence.
    
    

15. Remember that you are working in an atmosphere of ill and sickly people. Keep voices low and soft. Do not enter a room where someone is asleep. Try to not tax someone if they seem tired. Keep your dog calm and never shout or raise your voice.
    
    

16. This is not play time for your dog; don't invite interaction with the other dogs. Encourage the dogs to focus on the patients. 
    
    

17. Excuse your dog from any experience you believe is not positive.
    
    

18. Be sure to lock the wheels of wheelchairs and affix safety belts before approaching with your dog. Ask the staff in the facility if any particular patients should be avoided contact with your dogs.

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