 |
|
|
|
|
Services Menu:
|
|
Services & Programs
Welcome to BISHPets
About BISHPets
BISHPet teams, a handler and their personal pet, visit adults with acquired brain injury in Hamilton, Vineland and St. Catharines. They may engage in friendly visiting (animal assisted activity or AAA) or support a therapy initiative implemented by a therapist such as a speech therapist or a kinesiologist (animal assisted therapy or AAT). Since 2005 BISHPets has also partnered with the Hamilton Central Public Library on Paws for Reading, a popular children’s literacy-assistance program.
|
 |
BISHPets was developed in recognition of the philosophies of a number of internationally and nationally-recognized organizations. It has been implemented with researched best practices and includes an evaluation that humanely and effectively tests the social skills and focus of both handler and animal.
Step 1 - The Evaluation:
During the evaluation the teams will complete a test designed to determine:
- That the handler is able to support their pet during activities that may occur while volunteering with our clients.
- That both the handler and animal role model positive behaviour and both enjoy appropriate social interaction.
- That both the handler and animal can follow directions. (For the handler this will be demonstrated by bringing the correct paperwork and items to the evaluation and following the evaluator’s instructions. For the animal this will mean demonstrating basic obedience skills.)
Each test is performed by a team of two evaluators and three experienced BISHPet evaluation assistants. It follows documented guidelines with a score card and takes about 25 minutes. Your results will be reviewed with you following the test.
Step 2 - The Written Test:
Some applicants, particularly those with a background of volunteering and studying animal behavior, may find the test easy, others may prefer to take the BISHPets handbook and wait for the next available general volunteer training session before completing the test, and if a handler wants to research on their own to complete the test and join the program as soon as possible, that is no problem! (In all cases attending a general volunteer training session is mandatory.) The test can be completed electronically at any time within 60 days of successful completion of the evaluation.
Step 3 - Proof of Annual Veterinary Examination and Required Vaccinations:
The final step is submitting documented proof of a health screening by a licensed veterinarian. These documents must verify that the animal has received a general physical exam, has current rabies immunization (and any other vaccines required by Ontario law) and is on a program of parasite control. It must be dated within eight months of the evaluation date. (If the paperwork does not confirm a method of parasite control the handler will be required to obtain a fecal exam for their pet.)
Note: All BISHPet teams must successfully complete the evaluation and provide proof of annual veterinary care every two years. These requirements help to ensure teams have - and will continue to demonstrate – the health, social aptitude and appropriate knowledge of visiting etiquette required to visit safely and enjoyably.
Next Evaluation Date:
Still not sure if you and your pet have the social skills and focus to be a BISHPet? For more information please contact Volunteer Services. To register for the next BISHPet team evaluation please click here.
Home /
About Us /
Services /
Referral Information /
Volunteers /
Careers
Media Room /
Related Links /
Contact Us
|
|
|
|
|
|
