Being Active in Alliance of Therapy Dogs Without a Dog
Most Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) Members begin their membership with a dog by their side. However, this is not always the case and there may come a time when a Member may need to retire their dog. Whether they started as an ATD Member with a dog or are looking for ways to support ATD but do not have a dog, they should consider becoming an ATD Supporting Member.
Here are 5 reasons to consider becoming an ATD Supporting Member:
- Staying Up to Date on ATD Information
An ATD Supporting Member pays $20 in dues every year. In return, Supporting Members receive our bi-annual ATD Newsmagazine, an ATD Member Handbook, and all ATD Member communications. This means they can stay up to date with all ATD news and any changes that are made throughout the year. If and when they are ready to begin therapy dog visits with a dog, they will have the most up to date information needed as a team.
- Speeding Up Your Testing Process
Becoming an ATD Supporting Member is beneficial if a Member plans on testing with a new dog in the future because they will not need to redo their background check before testing. If they allow their membership to lapse instead of becoming an ATD Supporting Member, they will need to redo their background check before testing with their new dog. This can speed up their testing process or may be beneficial if they struggle with navigating the internet.
- Continuing Your Volunteer Work With ATD
Our ATD Board of Directors and Tester/Observers(T/Os) are the workhorses of ATD. Without our Board or T/Os, we would not have a functioning organization. Becoming an ATD Supporting Member allows ATD Board Members and T/Os to continue their work, even when they do not have an active therapy dog. Since T/Os are required to be an active therapy dog team with ATD for at least 6 months, this allows our T/Os to still be a part of our organization once their dog can no longer do the work.
- Helping Facilities Stay Informed
Many of the facilities that utilize our Members may have staff join as an ATD Supporting Member so they can stay informed about changes in our organization. ATD wants to help keep our facilities informed about ATD Rules and Regulations to make sure our insurance policy covers their visits. Having an open line of communication between facility, organization, and member is important. When our facilities are up to date on ATD Rules and Regulations they can help keep our teams and those they visit safe.
- Another Way to Donate
Some ATD Supporting Members become Members because they are looking for another way to donate. They consider their $20 due payment a donation to our organization. In return, we love sharing our bi-annual ATD Newsmagazine with our supporting members who are looking to donate. ATD appreciates our Supporting Members and their desire to stay in touch with our organization.
When someone contacts the ATD Office looking for a way to support our organization, the ATD Supporting Member option is presented. ATD Members are given the option to become an ATD Supporting Member when they need to retire their current therapy dog. Whether they are looking for a unique way to donate or they are looking for a way to stay active with the organization in between therapy dogs, the ATD Supporting Member is a great addition to the ATD organization. For more information on becoming an ATD Supporting Member, please contact the ATD Office at office@therapydogs.com.
