Membership Rules

Independent Therapy Dogs, Inc. - Membership Rules & Regulations

    1. Dog must be under the control and guidance of their handler at all times during visits/special events. The dog is always on a leash and the handler always holds the leash. Retractable or chain link leashes are not permitted.
    2. Handlers must be appropriately dressed; no bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, torn clothing, zorries. ITD, Inc. photo ID card must be worn by the handler where it is visible at all times during visits/special events.
    3. Dogs must be clean, well groomed and wear a flat buckle collar, harness, martingale or other type of limited slip collars (with the exception of chain) during all visits/special events. Equipment designed specifically for training and/or control including but not limited to: e-collars, collars that incorporate chain, sensation and other no pull harnesses, halties, gentle leaders, prong collars, or other corrective training devices are not permitted during visits/special events.
    4. ITD, Inc. dogs are not allowed food treats during visits/special events, except as a reward given by their handler during a demonstration, or trick.
    5. Therapy dog Teams provide emotional therapy only and are not to be used for physical therapy or pulling clients in wheeled apparatus. Any physical interaction, other than petting or general affectionate contact is not permitted.
    6. Dogs are not required to be spayed or neutered. Female dogs must not be in estrus when participating in therapy work.
    7. In order to maintain the integrity of all therapy dog Teams, membership in ITD, Inc. may not to be used for personal or financial gain. This rule applies to, but is not limited to the following: Therapy dog registration may not be used to access public accommodations generally not open to dogs, for the sale of dogs, or as a title to enhance the dog’s pedigree.
    8. ITD, Inc. Teams will maintain high standards of courtesy and professionalism while representing ITD, Inc. Teams will be well prepared during all visits/events. Negative talk/behavior about other ITD, Inc. members or staff and/or other organizations or their members or staff is not acceptable and is grounds for revocation of registration.
    9. Any incident involving other dogs, people, or property during visits/events must be reported in writing to ITD, Inc. immediately. ITD, Inc. reserves the right to conduct an investigation of any/all incidents and will conclude its investigation within 30 days. Team registration may be temporarily suspended pending investigation.
    10. Each ITD, Inc .Team must take a Refresher Class within 90 days of every fourth year renewal (i.e. prior to 4, 8, 12, etc.) Classes will be no longer than 2 hours at a fee not greater than $10.00. Classes can be taken from any approved ITD, Inc. evaluator.

Insurance:

ITD, Inc. Volunteer Liability Insurance covers each currently registered Team only while volunteering. ITD, Inc. insurance will not cover injuries and/or damages if a Team is in violation of ITD, Inc. rules. Handlers agree to indemnify and hold harmless ITD, Inc. for injuries and/or damages. Paid professionals who use their therapy dogs while on the job are not covered under ITD, Inc. Volunteer Liability Insurance. Handlers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a handler over 18 years old or a parent for all visiting/events.

Member Guarantee: My sole reason for becoming an ITD, Inc. Team is to share companionship & comfort. My signature indicates I have received a copy of ITD, Inc. Rules and will abide by these Rules at all times while representing ITD, Inc. Violation of any ITD, Inc. Rule or Regulation may result in my immediate suspension of visiting or dismissal from ITD, Inc.

6.18.2015