Inland Empire Therapy Dogs

Inland Empire Therapy Dogs provides weekly training sessions to help prospective therapy dog/handler teams achieve certification. Dogs are expected to have basic obedience skills (Sit, Down, Come, Leave It, loose leash walking) and be well-socialized with people and other dogs before joining. Dogs must be at least one year of age to test for certification.

Training focuses on strengthening the bond between the dog and handler, and helping dogs become comfortable around other dogs. After successful training sessions, teams are assessed for readiness to test for certification under the guidelines of Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs or Pet Partners, and Inland Empire Therapy Dogs, Inc. Handlers are expected to volunteer a minimum of one hour per month after certification. Training is held the first three Tuesdays of each month from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Redlands Senior Center.

Pricing Summary

All services, including training and visits, are provided free of charge. Inland Empire Therapy Dogs, Inc. is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are used to cover operational costs such as facility rental, equipment, website maintenance, office supplies, and promotional items.

Policies

Class rules require participants to be on time for class, which runs from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Dogs must have a current health record with up-to-date shots, vaccines, and rabies vaccination, and proof of completing a basic obedience class. Dogs must be on a short 4-foot leash during class.

Class is not playtime; dogs must be under control at all times, and interaction with other dogs should be avoided. A safe distance (4 feet when possible) from other dogs is required, respecting individual dog’s comfort zones. Feeding or treating other people’s dogs is prohibited due to potential allergies or digestive issues. Dogs should earn treats for desired behaviors, and verbal praise is encouraged. Dogs that are ill or in heat must be kept home from class. It is recommended not to feed dogs before class and to exercise energetic dogs for 30 minutes prior. Only one dog per person is allowed in class. Memberships are subject to yearly renewal.

Inland Empire Therapy Dogs, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing therapy dog services to promote comfort, wellness, and joy in healthcare settings, educational systems, and communities throughout the Inland Empire. Their services are always provided free of charge and are covered by liability insurance.

They offer weekly training sessions to help prospective therapy dog/handler teams succeed, with experienced trainers and teams mentoring new participants. They provide evaluation and certification testing under the auspices of Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc., a national therapy dog organization, and also offer evaluation and testing for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.

Inland Empire Therapy Dogs also has teams that are members of H.O.P.E. Animal Assisted Crisis Response, providing specialized training for crisis situations. They visit various facilities including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, Alzheimer’s specialty centers, elementary schools for Read programs, and participate in community events with “pet a therapy dog” booths. They emphasize “relationship training” to strengthen the bond between dog and handler, and do not train service dogs.

Accomplishments

Inland Empire Therapy Dogs, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Their leadership and training teams have years of experience. They are affiliated with Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc., a national therapy dog organization, and offer AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. Several of their teams are also members of H.O.P.E. Animal Assisted Crisis Response, providing specialized training for crisis situations.

How to Get Started!

To begin, prospective therapy dog/handler teams can join training sessions held the first three Tuesdays of each month from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Redlands Senior Center. Dogs should already have basic training, including Sit, Down, Come, Leave It, and walking on a loose leash, and be well-socialized.

Participants must bring a current health record showing up-to-date shots, vaccines, and rabies vaccination, along with proof of completing a basic obedience class. After several successful training sessions, Inland Empire Therapy Dogs will assess progress and schedule an evaluation and testing for certification.