Virtual Consultation- Therapy Dog/Handler Teams, Therapy Dog Programs
Tilly’s Place can support you at all stages of becoming a therapy dog/handler team with your current or future dog, and support you in starting a therapy animal program at your school, facility, or private practice. All consultation services are with Laura Poleshuck, the founder and Executive Director of Tilly's Place, tillysplace.orgLaura has worked extensively with institutional administration and professionals/students in OT, PT, SLP, social work, and literacy to incorporate therapy dogs into the university, therapeutic, and educational settings. Consultation services are individualized and may include:Providing evidence from the literature supporting the incorporation of animals into your setting/with your populationSpeaking with your supervisors/administration about professionalization of the field of animal-assisted interventionsGuidance and assistance withHow to select a potential therapy animalTherapy animal trainingProfessional certification for the dog handler (Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist)Therapy animal/handler team evaluationSafety and liability insurance in the professional settingSetting up the environment for successAnimal welfare practicesIdeas for animal-assisted therapy and/or animal-assisted education programming within your field of practice/population servedLaura's qualifications include:Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS), the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP)Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed (CPDT-KA)Therapy Animal Evaluator for Professionals (pilot program), the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP)Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program Team EvaluatorCanine Good Citizen (CGC) and STAR Puppy Evaluator, American Kennel Club (AKC)Temperament Test (ATT) Evaluator, American Kennel Club (AKC) Fear Free® Certified Animal TrainerPhD in education; OTD in occupational therapyFounder and Executive Director of Tilly's PlaceScheduling is flexible to meet your needs. Please share your availability at checkout.