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Donation Answers

Yes, we would welcome your donation. We do have fiscal obligations, so contributions to help offset our operating expenses are very much appreciated. To find out how you can donate to NCTD, check the Donation section of our website.

Since we are a nonprofit organization donations to NCTD are usually tax-deductible; please consult your financial adviser for details.

Facility Answers

Unfortunately, we are only able to add a small number of facilities each year, primarily as other facilities are dropped. However, if you would like for your facility to be considered, please complete the NCTD Facility Application form on the Online Forms page, scan it, and e-mail it to the Facilities Coordinator as indicated on the form.

The number of new facilities that NCTD can approve each year is limited and based on the mission of the facility, the vision of how therapy dog visits will benefit the facility, and volunteer availability. We consider many factors as we review a potential facility and determine whether to add it to our list. These include:

NCTD Team Availability:

  • Are there NCTD teams interested in visiting the facility?
  • Is the facility located in a convenient area for our volunteers?
  • Is the environment safe for the handlers and dogs to visit?
  • Is there adequate parking?
  • Can teams get in/out easily?
  • Is there an area outside for animals to relieve themselves?

Volunteer Requirements:

  • What prerequisites need to be met before a volunteer can visit at the facility?
  • Will there be any out-of-pocket expenses for the volunteer?

Client Needs

  • Is this a type of population that will benefit from therapy dog visits?

Staff Supervision:

  • Is facility staff available to escort NCTD teams when they visit?

Cleanliness:

  • Is the facility reasonably clean?
  • Are there pills or food on the ground for dogs to pick up?
  • What steps are taken to prevent the spread of germs?

Schedule:

  • Can visits be scheduled at a time when teams can visit?

Once a facility applies, the NCTD Facility Coordinator will conduct a preliminary over-the-phone survey and may follow up with an on-site visit. If both parties determine that NCTD visits are welcome, we will survey our volunteers to find those interested in visiting.

Volunteer Answers 

To visit with NCTD, you and your animal must first train and be evaluated as an NCTD Volunteer Team. See how to Become a Pet Therapy Team.

NCTD provides numerous benefits, including these:

  • We have established relationships with reputable facilities in the Baltimore-Washington area and the Delmarva Peninsula. These facilities appreciate National Capital Therapy Dogs and are comfortable having our animals visit.
  • We provide continuous training opportunities via NCTD open floors and workshops. These sessions are intended for new and experienced teams. In addition to allowing the animals to socialize, they provide a great deal of information beyond the initial NCTD training and offer opportunities to meet other volunteers and share tips and experiences.
  • We visit some facilities as a group. This allows teams to meet and learn from each other. It also enables us to match volunteer teams with clients they can best serve.
  • We have social events to get together just for fun, including picnics, walks, and volunteer appreciation dinners.
  • We send out the NCTD newsletter, and other information to all volunteers on a regular basis. This keeps volunteers informed of the latest NCTD information.
  • Student members of NCTD can receive community service hours for both training and visits they make as a volunteer with our organization.

Anyone 12 and older is eligible to take our classes and evaluation exams if accompanied by an adult, (parent, guardian or someone with parent or guardian's written consent). When the person turns 16, the Facility Coordinator may allow them to visit independently, or they can continue visiting with an adult until they are 18. Some of our facilities, such as hospitals, have a minimum age requirement that we must abide by.

Yes, you are allowed to visit with someone else’s pet. The same application, training, and certification processes to become an NCTD Volunteer team apply. The only additional requirement is a note from the animal’s owner giving permission to work with the animal.

Yes, we do welcome other types of animals in our organization. Cats, guinea pigs, and other animals may be limited to visiting certain types of facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Each hospital we visit may have its own restrictions. Please Contact Us for more information.

You can find the complete list of NCTD training classes, evaluations, and other events on the NCTD Calendar of Events. The calendar is updated frequently, so please check back if you don’t see what you’re looking for offered in your area.

The minimum requirements for maintaining active status in NCTD are:

  • Maintaining NCTD Volunteer registration that is renewed every three years.
  • Passing reviews by an experienced NCTD volunteer or someone at the facility you’re visiting.
  • Attending at least one NCTD open floor or other approved training opportunity per calendar year.
  • Consistently visiting the facility you’ve agreed to visit on the days and times you’ve agreed to go. We visit most facilities 1-2 times per month. A typical visit lasts about one hour, although the time commitment also includes getting your animal clean and travel time.

Of course, if you have more time, we encourage you to:

  • Attend more open floors. We recommend attending as many as possible.
  • Visit additional facilities if you can commit to the requirements.
  • Attend NCTD social events and meet other volunteers.
  • Assist with events, such as team evaluations, classes, and community demonstrations.
  • Become involved with the NCTD Board of Directors or one of our standing committees to help shape the future of NCTD.

No. NCTD is 100% volunteer-based, we do not have any paid positions.

There are costs associated with being a volunteer of NCTD. Most, if not all, of these costs can be tax deductible. Please talk to your financial advisor for more details. The costs help cover the organization's operating expenses as well as the liability insurance that all volunteer teams carry when visiting an NCTD-approved facility. Please see our Costs and Fees page for more details.

Additional costs that a volunteer may incur include veterinary checkups and an animal’s vaccinations, additional team evaluations if the team does not pass the first time, NCTD gear such as a therapy dog vest, and if you choose to buy NCTD-logo clothing.

Financial Assistance for the cost of classes or other expenses may be available. Individuals requesting assistance should send an email to the NCTD president.

For the handler: While there is no official NCTD uniform, we request that you dress neatly and comfortably when you visit. This includes slacks or nice jeans with a clean shirt and closed-toe shoes. NCTD offers NCTD gear at cost, as well as clothing with the NCTD logo through Lands’ End. Wearing NCTD shirts provides a quick means of identification and a professional appearance, and gives our organization added visibility.

For dogs: All dogs should have their NCTD ID badge or collar tag attached during visits. Dogs may wear a green NCTD vest or use a green collar/harness and leash.

Please note that in some cases, an individual facility may have their own dress requirements. Many require that we wear a shirt with the NCTD logo. Others may have general restrictions against jeans or shorts. So be sure to ask about any requirements before visiting a facility.

To bring comfort, healing, and learning to children and adults with certified therapy animals.

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NCTD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

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