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FACILITY DOGS

Facility dogs work in a communal setting, such as health care, visitation, education, or other public-serving organization to help with the population being served.

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**Please understand that because we have a very small staff, we are not able to respond to individual eligibility inquiries outside of this process by email, mail, or phone.

About Facility Dogs

Facility Dogs are designed to support community care professionals when the addition of a dog and its specially trained dog-handler team could lead to physical, social, or emotional improvements. These teams may work with groups or individuals of any age, with specific goals for the dog's involvement. The process is documented and evaluated to ensure effectiveness.

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A Brigadoon facility dog undergoes training to perform a variety of tasks such as retrieving items, opening doors, and applying calming pressure across a client's lap or body. These trained skills can be leveraged to augment therapies, encourage participation, and alleviate anxiety for clients in professional settings.

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Brigadoon facility dogs are trustworthy in professional environments and can motivate and inspire clients with special needs. One of the most valued qualities of the facility dog is the unconditional love and attention it gives to the clients and patients with whom it interacts.

 

Handlers can integrate a facility dog into various structured therapies to enhance social interactions. Examples of settings in which facility dogs can  assist include:

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  • Occupation, speech and physical therapy

  • Special Education settings

  • Child Life Specialists

  • Criminal justice placements such as child advocacy, forensic interviewers

  • Memory Care

  • Police/Fire Departments

Facility dog with facilitator and child
Facility dog sitting in chair at police department

Eligibility Requirements

If you feel a facility dog will significantly enhance your workplace and are able to answer the following questions with a Yes, we invite you to complete an eligibility pre-screening form for a Service Dog online.

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  1. Do you live in the Pacific Northwest with no plans of moving out of the area for at least 12 months?

  2. Do you work directly with vulnerable clientele for a minimum of 20 hours a week?

  3. Do you have the support and approval from their employer for the use of a facility dog?

  4. Do you demonstrate  the ability to safely and effectively control, manage and care for a dog?

  5. Are you able to attend a two-week Team Training class at Brigadoon's Bellingham campus?

 

If you answered "YES" to all of these questions and you wish to proceed:

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