well I read the rules on the links that Nancy provided sounds like all common sense stuff that all of us would do anyway, so unless the state you live in makes it mandatory that you have this why bother. When I became a volunteer I met with the vol. coordinator at the nursing home and she went over the rules of their facility and what I could and could not do and what I had to wear. She asked for vet records, gave me a TB test, then a did a background check on me and when I passed I got a badge and now I go up there when I feel like it, sign in and pick up my badge. Lola is not much of a lap dog, but loves playing fetch with her toys and her Frisbee in the halls, the patients love to watch her and some like to toss the toy, sometimes I hold her up for petting and for a short lap sit. I am not really sure what type of training I would have needed for any of that, it's just her natural behavior. Anyway good luck to those of you that have to have it, but for others if you know what type of places you would like to visit call them directly and see if these certifications are required. Also if Lola was given tests on sit and stay and so forth I am not even sure she would pass it, but she sure is a hit at the nursing home. |