Edward Hospital in Naperville is seeking dogs to join its animal-assisted therapy program.
Online application are available for owners who would like to have their pets considered, a news release said. Those that meet the qualifications will be scheduled for temperament testing on Friday, May 23, or Saturday, May 24, at the hospital, 801 S. Washington St.
Mandatory two-day training for the dogs and their handlers selected for the program will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28-29 at the hospital.
Dogs must be able to follow commands, including sit and stay; walk loosely on a leash without pulling; and perform commands without treats, the release said. They also must not be overly vocal, must like people and should get along well with other dogs.
Those selected also must be at least 1 year old, have lived with their owners for at least six months, and be current on all vaccinations, the release said. Handlers must be at least 18 years old.
Applications are available at www.eehealth.org/ways-to-give/volunteer/animal-assisted-therapy.
For more information, contact Cynthia Brooks at cynthia.brooks@eehealth.org or 630-527-5305.
