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PROGRAMS

Delta Therapy Dogs Program

With over 1,200 Therapy Dog Teams nation-wide, and more than 25 years of experience, Delta's Therapy Dogs Program is the leading provider of Animal Assisted Services in Australia. 

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Delta Therapy Dogs is a national leader in the delivery of Animal Assisted Services, with over 1,200 volunteers delivering Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) - a visitation program that focuses on well-being - in hospitals, aged care facilities, youth services, mental health services, correctional facilities, and other health and community services right across Australia.

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The benefits of therapy animals are scientifically proven. Therapy Dogs have a positive impact on social, emotional, physical and physiological health, improving quality of life and well-being. There is now a large body of empirical research which supports positive outcomes for various population groups across health and community settings. 

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We work with our program partners to determine the right type of program delivery, and assist in establishing robust program design in their facility or service, which will see program beneficiaries establish strong animal-human bonds with our Therapy Dogs and human-human bonds with our volunteers.

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Delta’s Therapy Dog Teams are an amazing group of volunteers and their beloved pet dogs, who willingly give their time and commitment to support our program delivery. Volunteers are recruited against a set of selection criteria and their dogs against strict temperament and skills assessment. They are trained and supported to deliver our programs in conjunction with our program partners.

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​Our national team of staff and volunteers love what we do, and the impact that we have on the lives of over 20,000 people each and every week.

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Partner with us

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Want to implement the Delta Therapy Dogs Program in your facility or service? We would love to be a part of your journey and partner with you to establish and provide the ongoing support required to implement the program successfully.

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We offer our Delta Therapy Dogs program to aged care facilities, hospitals and other public health facilities, correctional facilities, and government or for-purpose organisations delivering mental health, youth, disability or other community services. At this stage we do not deliver services to individuals unless they are receiving service from an organisation with whom we can partner, and nor are we an approved NDIS Provider.

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Qualifying organisations can receive a fortnightly session, for up to 90mins, for a co-contribution of $1,300 per annum per Therapy Dog Team. As a charitable organisation we fundraise to cover the difference between this contribution and the actual program costs. 

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After thoroughly reading the Frequently Asked Questions below, if you would still like more information, then please click below to get in touch with us. However if you're ready to register for the program and get your details on to our waitlist, then please click below to be taken to our registration page. 

Not a health or community service facility?

 

We do deliver Collaborative Animal Assisted Education (C-AAE) to educational institutions through our Classroom Canines program . We work with our partners to provide literacy programs and therapeutic interventions to support social interaction, pro-social skills, self-efficacy, language and communication, positive emotions and reduce stress. Head to our Classroom Canines program page to read more.

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If you do not fall in to one of the categories above it doesn’t mean you need to miss out on receiving a visit from a Therapy Dog however – jump over to our Paws the Pressure program page to read more.

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Not located in one of our delivery regions?

 

Delta Therapy Dogs in-person program delivery has a national reach, however there are some regional and remote areas we are unfortunately unable to service face to face due to the geographic limits of the on-going assessment and training that our Therapy Dog Teams undertake.

 

In this situation, we can offer facilities specially trained Therapy Dog Teams who can deliver Animal Assisted Activities via video call as part of the Delta Therapy Digi-Dogs Program - meaning there are no bounds to the joy that we can help animals bring to people both nationally and internationally.

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Head to our Delta Therapy Digi-Dogs Program page for more information. 

Volunteer for Us
 

  • Are you motivated by a desire to bring joy to the lives of our Program Beneficiaries by sharing your pet dog?

  • Are you adaptable and resilient?

  • Do you have excellent verbal and interpersonal skills and a good level of energy when engaging with others?

  • Do you have a positive relationship with your dog and embrace positive reinforcement training?

  • Does your dog thrive off affection from people?

  • Does your dog have a good level of obedience and a calm demeanour?

  • Is your dog aged between 18months and 9 years of age?

  • Do you have at least 3hrs to spare on a fortnightly basis?

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If so we would love to hear from you – we are always looking for more volunteers to join the Delta family! If you think you and your special four legged friend are a good fit we'd love to receive your application for the role of Therapy Dog Team.

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After thoroughly reading the Frequently Asked Questions below we would invite you to click on the link to read more and to send through your Expression of Interest for the role. One of our State Program Coordinators will then be in touch to discuss the next steps.

Partner with us
Volunteer with us
Therapy Dogs Program FAQs
  • Can Delta Therapy Dogs accredit my dog as a companion dog?
    Delta cannot assess or accredit dogs for work outside of our programs. Volunteer Delta Therapy Dog Teams visit facilities that have signed an agreement with us. We are unable to provide companion animal certification.
  • Can a Delta therapy dog visit my home?
    Delta Volunteer Delta Therapy Dog Teams can only visit facilities that we have signed agreement with us. At the moment, we do not visit people's own homes.
  • Can I get a dog for a disabled family member or friend?
    Dogs who are trained to personally support one person with a special need or disability are called Assistance Dogs. Please contact Assistance Dogs Australia who provide accredited dogs to assist people with special needs and disabilities.
  • Can Delta provide my dog with public access certifcation?
    No, we are not authorised to provide this certification. You should contact your local Government department that looks after this area to see what is required. Legislation can vary by state governments and councils.
  • Can Delta assess my cat,horse, etc. to be a therapy animal?"
    At this stage, our programs only involve dogs.
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