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RULES AND REGULATIONS - SOCIAL/PET
THERAPY PROGRAM
COMPANION ANIMAL ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA. INC.
1. To be under
the auspices of CAAA. Visits must be to a facility assigned to you
by the Social/Pet Therapy Committee. Once you are assigned to a
facility, you are required to report your visit(s) to CAAA by
faithfully maintaining your VISITATION LOG. At the end of
each fiscal year send them along with your CAAA Renewal Form and
your check.
CAAA
tracks the number of visits as a part of our accountability to our
donors and members. Community service is the goal of our program
and the reason for expenditures. Thus we need accurate records of
how much service we are providing to the community.
Be sure to check IRS Tax Rules and regulations for
the possibility of deductions associated with volunteer work
2. Always
reconfirm your visit with the Activities Director, Recreation
Therapist or designated Facility Contact person the day before
your visit. This cuts down on "forgotten" visits and keeps you
informed of any changes to the facilities schedule for visits, or if
your contact person is out sick.
3. If you
are sick or coming down with “something” that may be contagious to
the elderly, reschedule your visit. Also, do not visit if your pet
is sick or in season. Rescheduling for your convenience is
not legitimate.
4. Bathe and
groom your pet prior to your visit. Be sure your animal is free of
ticks and fleas; the ears are clean, nails are clipped and smooth,
and the coat is brushed and trimmed. Dogs MUST wear a collar with
their County :License and CAAA Pet Therapy Tag (if received),
attached. Spike or pinch collars are not allowed and the
collar should be free of decorations - such as stones, which could
scratch residents. Keep your dog on a leash at all times
during the visit.
5. Upon
arrival to your assigned facility, check-in as a CAAA volunteer at
the reception desk and wait for the Activity Director or designee to
welcome you and accompany you during the visit throughout the
facility. Interactions facilitated by a staff member are tailored
to the resident's needs and abilities, are more therapeutic and
therefore result in much more rewarding experiences for
all.
Additionally, it is the staff member's responsibility, (not the
volunteer's), to intervene should an elderly person grip or approach
your pet in a frightening manner. In some care centers, however,
due to staff turnover and shortages, you may be asked to
visit with your pet on your own. If you are an experienced CAAA Pet
Therapy team, and if you feel comfortable without facility staff
being right there, and perhaps know the residents yourself, you may
comply with that request.
6. Keep the
Pet Therapy Committee informed. Volunteer responsibilities
include:
a. Reporting your
visits regularly by maintaining your Log Sheet. Report any
accidents (even minor - such as a skin scratch),or any problems to
the facility. Don’t forget to share any successes you want to brag
about. Heartwarming stories are always welcome.
b. If you
want to add another pet to the program, complete the application
process for that animal BEFORE visiting the facility with it
c. Should you
become inactive for a period of time or need to retire your pet,
notify CAAA Volunteer - Nancy Parker (480) (598-8285). Don’t
forget to report any changes of address, phone numbers or e-mail
addresses also .
7. Renew your
CAAA membership annually and make sure your pet has been examined by
a veterinarian annually. During December of each year you will
receive a mailing from the Pet Therapy Committee with the deadline
date for submitting your Log Sheet(s), Renewal Form, Check, and any
other changes in your volunteer status that have occurred.
2004 CAAA Rules-Rev. 11-11-03 |
