If you’re part of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), you already know how special it is to share smiles and joy with others. With over 20,000 active Members and their incredible dogs, ATD teams are making a difference every single day. But behind every successful visit is something essential: being a Member in good standing.
Being a Member in good standing is actually pretty straightforward.
What Is a Member in Good Standing?
Being a Member in good standing simply means you’ve met all the requirements to stay covered under ATD’s liability insurance. That coverage protects you, your dog, ATD, and the facilities you visit.
Here’s what being a Member in good standing entails:
- You’re current on your dues.
- You’ve logged at least 1 in-person volunteer visit every 3 months from the date of your last visit in your ATD Member Portal.
- Your dog is up to date on vaccines, has a negative fecal test, and a wellness exam within 12 months.
- You’re not currently suspended from visiting.
- You’re following all ATD Rules and Regulations.
Now let’s break down why each of these matters.
Staying Current on Dues
Your membership dues do more than keep your account active, they fund your liability insurance coverage while you’re volunteering. That peace of mind allows you to focus on what really matters: connecting with the people you visit.
Logging Your Visits
ATD asks Members to log at least 1 in-person volunteer visit every 3 months, and there’s a good reason for that.
Regular visits help you and your dog stay in sync. Dogs communicate constantly through body language, and staying active ensures you can recognize when your dog is comfortable, stressed, or needs a break. If too much time passes between visits, those cues can be easier to miss.
That’s also why falling outside the visit requirement may mean retesting is needed before returning to visits. It’s all about keeping everyone safe, you, your dog, and the people you serve.
Keeping Your Dog Healthy
Therapy dogs meet all kinds of people, including individuals with compromised immune systems. That’s why staying on top of your dog’s health is essential.
To remain in good standing, your dog needs:
- Up-to-date vaccinations.
- A negative fecal test.
- A wellness exam within 12 months.
Don’t forget, you’re responsible for tracking these and submitting your annual Health Verification Form to the ATD Office.
Understanding Suspensions
If a Member is ever suspended from visits, they are not covered by ATD insurance during that time.
That means if an incident occurs while visiting during a suspension, it could fall back on personal insurance, like a homeowner’s policy. Simply put, it’s not worth the risk. Always make sure your status is active and in good standing before scheduling visits.
Following ATD Rules and Regulations
Each year, ATD provides an updated Member Handbook, with any changes clearly marked in red. Taking time to review it isn’t just a formality, it’s how you stay informed and protected.
Members in good standing understand that following these guidelines helps:
- Ensure safe, positive visits.
- Maintain insurance coverage.
- Uphold the integrity of the ATD program.
For Facilities: How to Check Member Status
Facilities can always contact the ATD Office by phone or email to confirm a Member’s status. As an added tool, ATD now places asterisks next to dog names on Member ID cards if a team is not currently in good standing.
Checking this helps ensure everyone is properly covered during visits.
Questions? ATD Is Here to Help!
If you’re ever unsure about your membership status, don’t guess, reach out! The ATD Office phone number is 307-432-0272 and the email is office@therapydogs.com.
Final Thought
Being a Member in good standing isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about showing up prepared, responsible, and ready to make a positive impact. When you maintain your membership in good standing, you’re helping create safe, meaningful experiences for everyone involved, including your 4-legged partner. And that’s what being an ATD team is all about.
