1. The Certified Dog Visitation Program is coordinated by the Department of Rehabilitation Therapies at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). Handlers of Delta Society certified dogs may contact the Department of Rehabilitation Therapies (319-356-2663) for an application. Only dogs two years of age and above will be accepted into the program.
2. Once the dog handler completes the application and returns it, the Activities Therapist will arrange an interview between the Activities Therapist , the handler and certified dog.
3. At the interview, the handler must provide the Delta health screening form, completed within the past year.
4. After the handler and dog have been accepted as a Certified Dog Volunteer (CDV), and before additional Certified Dog Volunteer training in the hospital, the handler must complete the requirements of the UIHC Volunteer Program:
   • Attend community volunteer program
   • Complete Health Screen
   • 10 hours general volunteer training
   • Annual tuberculosis assessment
   • Annual assessment for skin lesions
   • Agreement to maintain patient confidentiality

Hospital Certified Dog Volunteer Training

1. An Activities Therapist from the Department of Rehabilitation Therapies will arrange the initial training session in which the handler will accompany an experienced team on a patient visit. The dog does not attend the initial session.
2. An Activities Therapist arranges for the second training session. This involves having a dog handler of a Certified Dog Volunteer team accompany the new team-handler and dog - on one or more patient visits.
3. An Activities Therapist will direct the third and subsequent visits until it is determined that the dog handler is able to independently gain entrance to patient areas, identify patient isolations prohibiting a visit, and conduct the Certified Dog Visit.

Before Each Hospital Visit

1. Participating Delta Society certified dogs must be:
   • Recertified every two years
   • Have a health screening annually, with stool culture and examination for enteric pathogens every six months
   • Current on all vaccinations.
2. To avoid bringing a dog to the hospital with diarrhea or other illness, assess the dog's overall health and attitude 24 hours prior to a scheduled certified dog visit.
3. Dogs must be bathed and groomed within 24 hours of a certified dog visit. This includes trimming nails and making sure the dog is free of fleas, ticks, skin lesions, and any signs of illness.
4. In the designated "pet walk" area, the handler needs to walk the dog and encourage voiding prior to entering the hospital.
5. Handlers are to dress appropriately for a dog visitation assignment. Specifically, wear the volunteer smock and UIHC picture ID card.
6. Appropriate dress for the dog is a smock to cover the trunk prior to entering the hospital. Pinch collars are prohibited during visits.
7. Obtain directions from the Activities Therapist to the designated area or patient room. The route will be through areas of decreased traffic flow and will identify which outside entrance and stairwells to use.
8. Elevators should be avoided when possible. If sharing an elevator is necessary, ask the passengers for consent before entering and warn people seeking entrance to the elevator that a dog is on board.

Guidelines for the Hospital Visit

1. Be on time for every visit.
2. The dog must remain on a leash under the handler's direct supervision at all times. Do not tie the dog to equipment or furniture or hand the leash to other people.
3. If the dog handler is still training, wait for the Activities Therapist prior to entering the designated area or patient room. Check at the unit's desk if the Activities Therapist does not arrive.
4. Before initiating the Certified Dog Visit, check with the nursing staff to make sure the patient and roommate consents have been obtained.
5. Wash hands immediately before the visit.
6. Before entering any room, ask permission of all those present in the room. Ask if anyone has animal allergies. If so, do not enter the room.
7. Make sure that a sign, "Pet Visit-Dog/Cat in Room", has been posted on the door.
8. The dog handler must be responsible for the dog at all times. It is important to consider the dog's needs and humane care first. The handler must always stay with the dog and be in control of the situation.
9. The handler must ask the patient's permission before allowing the dog on the patient's lap or bed. Spread out a sheet for the animal to be placed on. Place the sheet in laundry hamper when done.
10. The handler may provide treats for the dog. Do not allow any other food to be given to the dog.
11. If the dog has an "accident" while in the hospital, clean it up immediately.
    1. Use paper towels to soak up dog urine, and pick up the soaked paper towels or excrement using a plastic bag. Invert the bag, tie securely, and place in the trash.
    2. Dog feces may be placed in a hopper or toilet.
    3. Wash your hands immediately.
    4. Notify the nurse to call housekeeping if further clean up is required.
12. Before leaving the patient's room, wash hands at the end of visit.
13. Ensure the completion of the Evaluation for Handler form and send to the Department of Rehabilitation Therapies.
14. The handler is responsible for bringing a patient evaluation form to each visit for patient completion.
15. In the event of injury to a patient, visitor, staff, handler, or dog:
    1. End the visit.
    2. Notify the nurse assigned to the patient.
    3. The patient's nurse will complete the incident report. If you are still in training, the Activities Therapist who accompanied you will complete the incident report.
    4. Notify the Delta Society National Office (206) 226-7357.

Adapted from Delta Society Standards of Practice ©1996