Obtaining Therapy Insurance for Your Dog

Therapy dogs can be any breed, with some pedigree dogs, and others that have been rescued from shelters. A dog must be at least a year old and not only comfortable around people, but other pets as well. However, even with a dog that has a good temperament, unforeseen things can happen, and that's why therapy insurance for dogs protects the residents he comes in contact with.

The Facts

Therapy dogs, accompanied by their owners, visit facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, institutions, and group homes, bringing comfort and joy to the residents. Therapy dogs are clean and in good health, and often wear a bandana around the neck, to identify them as therapy dogs. To ensure the safety of the residents, therapy dogs and owners are covered by liability insurance.

History

An American child psychiatrist named Boris Levinson, first used the term "pet therapy" in 1964, when he started using his dog in therapeutic sessions with withdrawn children. The presence of the dog softened the children's defenses, and helped Levinson develop a rapport with the children in therapy sessions. Today, therapy dogs are still affecting the lives of sick and lonely people in a positive way.

How It Works

To meet insurance requirements of a national therapy dog organization, a dog must meet health requirements, such as recent veterinarian appointment, and up to date vaccinations. A professional evaluator will conduct a series of tests with the owner and therapy dog. These tests include sitting on command for petting, walking through a crowd, accepting a stranger, exposure to other dogs, and responding when called. (See References 1) Once owner and therapy dog have passed the testing phase, and are registered with the organization, liability insurance coverage is extended for the visitation program.

Considerations

When a therapy dog visits a nursing home or hospital, she encounters unfamiliar smells, and strange people that can cause her to be stressed or anxious. Residents that a therapy dog doesn't know are stroking her fur, and not always with gentle strokes. A cane used by a resident for mobility can look like a whipping tool to a therapy dog. Until she gets used to different facilities, liability insurance coverage provides protection in case an accidental injury happens.

Benefits

Once registration requirements of a national therapy dog organization are met, coverage takes effect immediately. Another benefit of a liability insurance policy is that coverage is primary. This means that the liability insurance policy pays first, and you don't have to wait to hear from another insurance carrier, such as a homeowner's policy..