Safety

Therapy Animals Off-Lead: When is it Appropriate?

by Paulette Bethel

I am frequently asked when is it okay to take a therapy animal off-lead. My stock answer is, "Never." That is the first thought that springs to my mind when this issue comes up. However, as is usually the case, there are times and/or circumstances when it is alright to remove the lead and let a well-trained, responsive animal be free to do their work unencumbered by a leash or flexi.

The operative word here is responsive. To me that means a dog who is 100% sure to return to you in a manner that is guaranteed to be safe to himself and any clients with whom he is working. That means no matter the circumstances, you know your dog will come to you, carefully avoiding any person or object that is between you and the dog. That means if a cat, squirrel, toy or treat is suddenly observed your dog will still return calmly and directly, every time. No exceptions. Is your dog that reliable?

Anytime you remove your leash, you are removing your optimum means of control. You are entrusting another being with the power to make a decision that can affect your visit, your client and Intermountain Therapy Animals. Your liability escalates tremendously if your animal is free to run after another animal, a delicious scent, or an object that he is not intended to have. You, in effect, become negligent and, therefore, uninsured under the guidelines that all of you agree to when you join Intermountain Therapy Animals.

Now that I have gotten your attention (I hope), let me list some possible exceptions. If you are in an enclosed area, such as a fenced courtyard or a room with no objects that can be knocked over or interfered with, then removing the lead may be alright. If there are no other animals, no cords or wires, no delicately balanced IV poles, hospital equipment or precariously perched paraphernalia, then you might consider that it is safe to unleash your animal. Finally, if all other persons in the area have agreed they are comfortable having a free-ranging dog there as well, go ahead and release your animal.

More food for thought: If you are in a large outside area and there are several dogs doing their visit and your client wants to throw the ball or frisbee, should you remove the leash? Even if your animal is 100 percent reliable and willingly returns to you every time you call, please consider the precedent you are setting for other handlers who may not have a dog as well-trained as yours. Each of you is a role model for other handlers or for someone who aspires to be a Pet Partner. If they see you with your animal off-lead they are more apt to do the same thing and thus begins the possibility for problems.

Remember your job. As the human half of a Pet Partner team, you are there to help meet a therapeutic goal and to be an advocate for your dog. You are not there merely for your dog to have fun if that places yourself, your animal, your client or your program in jeopardy. I have a personal credo that I like to use and hereby pass it on to you: Expect the best and be prepared for the worst.