Thank you for your interest in Space Coast Therapy Dogs, Inc. (SCTD). Please read the information in this package. It will describe what we expect of our members. Therapy dog work is not a commitment to be taken lightly, and we want you to be fully aware of our expectations.

OUR COMMITMENT TO BREVARD
SCTD is an all-volunteer, service organization. We do not have an office with a central telephone number or paid clerical staff, and we do not charge for any of our services. Yearly membership dues and charitable donations from the community cover our expenses. We have commitments to serve about 30 facilities in Brevard County each month, including Brevard hospitals, adult day cares, Alzheimer’s facilities, Hospice, nursing homes, and special need schools.

JOINING AND MAINTAINING MEMBERSHIP IN SCTD
New handler-dog teams are welcome for Testing and Observations at any calendar visit where a Therapy Dogs Inc. Tester/Observer (T/O) is assigned. Visits available for testing and observation are shown on our calendar. We do not charge for testing and observing new dog-handler teams. We actively seek responsible handlers and well-mannered dogs.

Hospital visits and other special programs usually require 6 months of experience plus attendance at 12 regular calendar visits before a newly registered dog-handler team may be considered for these visits. We expect members active in special programs like the hospital to make other calendar visits also. This helps us to keep our commitment to each facility and allows all dogs to be seen frequently by a T/O. Unexpected events occur, so we ask members who cannot keep their commitment for any reason to call a T/O, Visit Coordinator, or Board member so that we know you are temporarily unavailable but still interested in SCTD. We are proud that we have a dress code that all registered members are expected to follow for all visits.

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE ANNUAL MEETING
Our Organization is not all work and no play! Our dogs love to make public relations presentations with their handlers, and they can be seen at community events, parades, holiday parties, and picnics. Many of Brevard’s social service organizations include us in their special events. Our Annual Meeting for the registered dogs, members, and their families features culinary delights, election of officers, awards, and a review of the previous year’s events.

Please read the other sheets carefully and familiarize yourself with policies for current health records, leash and collar criteria, and other Standing Rules. Failure to meet these requirements at any visit will mean we will be unable to test or observe you at that particular visit. If you have any questions, please contact any T/O listed on the calendar.

PUBLICATIONS
Check the Newsletter or our Calendar/Events page for a calendar of scheduled visits.