Wags for Hope FAQ

The very first step is to click on the "Join Us" link on our website.  Once that is complete, you will be on our email list and will receive announcements from time to time.  We will send you an email detailing when the next orientation will be.  We have a standard induction policy that you must complete.  We have an orientation seminar that is required. In that seminar we will tell you in detail about all of the programs we have to offer.   Your pet will also be subject to an evaluation test to make sure that he or she is ready for visiting the facilities.  There is a "visiting seminar" that you must also complete.  Your veterinarian must sign a form we provide to ensure that all of the dog's vaccinations are up to date.  You will sign a Wags team agreement.  After you have filled out an application for the visiting facility, you will shadow a veteran without your dog on a visit.  You will then be shadowed with your dog on your first visit.  If you are comfortable with that, you will be on your own, working out a schedule with the director.

NOTE: Your pet must be at least one year old to participate.  You must also have lived with the pet for at least six months.

Yes, we have a standard Wags evaluation that, if your animal passes, will allow you and your pet to visit area nursing homes and assisted living facilities.  This consists of being tested around walkers and wheelchairs, and making sure you and your animal is somewhat predictable.  To participate in any of the other programs we offer, you and your animal must become Delta Pet Partners^®.  The Delta Society is a national organization that evaluates animal teams for this kind of activity.

Before visiting you will have informed me of your preferred schedule.  I will make sure I schedule you on one of your days.  Schedules are very important to our residents.   You will discover that the first visit after the one that you missed.  We try as much as possible to maintain our schedules.  If we cannot, we will try and get a substitute for that day, or go on an ensuing day.

In most cases, yes.  The residents will enjoy a visit from a child as much as from a pet.

If you have extra time on your hands I'm sure we can put you to work.  At this point we have several committees that could use your help.  Their tasks include marketing, events planning, fund raising, training and education.  We need a legal adviser that can help us with legal questions from time to time.  We are in desperate need of Delta evaluators in our area.  We can always use more trainers as well.  If you know of anyone who would like to lend us their talents on a volunteer basis, please have them contact me here.