Elmhurst recruiting new dogs for Animal-Assisted Therapy program

Elmhurst Hospital is seeking more dogs for its Animal-Assisted Therapy program. To be considered, please visit http://www.emhc.org/about-emhc/general-volunteering/animal-assisted-therapy/ and complete the online application. Applicants will be contacted for pre-screening.

Those who meet qualification requirements will be scheduled for temperament testing on either Wednesday or Thursday, September 23 or 24, within a two-hour time slot between 4 - 9 p.m. at the Edward Sleep Center, 27555 Diehl Rd. in Warrenville.

Mandatory orientation training at Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Road in Elmhurst, will be held on Wednesday, October 14 from 6 – 8 p.m. (handler only) and Saturday - Sunday, October 31 - November 1, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. for hospital bedside training (handler and dog).

For more information, call Dee Panek at (331) 221-1158 or email dpanek@emhc.org.

To be considered, dogs must meet the following requirements:

· Sit/down/stay/recall/leave-it on command

· Walk loosely on a leash without pulling

· Get along well with other dogs

· Perform required commands without treats

· Like people

· Not be overly vocal

· Be at least one year of age at time of testing

· Lived with you for at least six months at time of testing

· Current on all vaccinations

· Free of skin problems

· Prong collars, gentle leaders, harnesses and retractable leashes are not accepted

· Handlers must be 18 years of age or older

Handlers and their dogs are encouraged to have completed a group obedience training class within the past year.