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Including owned animals and/or wildlife that our teams may encounter.

The proper selection and maintenance of the animals used in AAT programs is the first step toward the establishment of an appropriate infection control protocol. All animals used in our AAT program must be at least one year old to participate. Each animal certified with our AAT program must meet veterinary health requirements, receive a complete physical examination and receive all required Broward County vaccinations. Each animal participating in the AAT program must have a veterinarian certificate inclusive of proof of vaccinations and health status on file with us. Hand washing is probably one of the most important methods of preventing the spread of infections, disease, or parasites. It is important for anyone who interacts with pets to wash their hands before and after visiting with the animals. It might be beneficial to have liquid hand sanitizer such as Purell available for staff, clients and volunteers to use. It is equally important and the responsibility of the facility to be aware of those residents, clients, patients, staff members, etc. that are allergic to animals. Some people have reactions to the dander by touching an animal and others by inhaling it in the air. Many people with asthma are allergic to animal dander. Be sure that you know which residents, clients, patients, staff members, etc. at your facility might be allergic to animals and take proper precautions around those individuals. It is imperative to alert the HSBC volunteer of any clients or patients that should not be visited due to potential contagion, autoimmune deficiencies, isolation orders, etc.

The Humane Society of Broward County provides the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program as a service conducted by volunteers of the Humane Society without any written, expressed or implied promise of compensation. The AAT volunteer and their companion animal is a representative of the Humane Society of Broward County. It is agreed that the AAT volunteer will conduct a minimum of one visit per month, unless fewer visits are decided upon by the facility / organization and assigned volunteer/s. While individual visits may be coordinated between the AAT volunteer and the facility / organization, any additional use of AAT visits outside of regular visitations must be approved by the Manager of the Animal Assisted Therapy Program. Additionally, a facility staff member must accompany AAT volunteers during any and all visits. AAT volunteers are not permitted to be left alone with residents, patients, clients, children, etc. The program manager at the facility will coordinate visits with the AAT volunteers and inform them of any unusual conditions, such as construction, chemical cleaning, or activities that could impact the well-being of the therapy animals. If necessary, visits may be rescheduled to accommodate these conditions. Failure to comply with obligations as expressed by this agreement and accompanying documents may result in termination of the facility / organization or the AAT volunteer by the Humane Society at its sole discretion. By checking the following box, we, the above-mentioned facility / organization, agree to the terms of the AAT program agreement as defined by the Humane Society of Broward County. An organization infrastructure has been defined and the appropriate personnel have been assigned to oversee the AAT program at our facility.