$70 / hrTherapy dog visits + 1 more
Helen Fisher
5.0(6)Therapy dog visits with a calm collie
South Orange
Mon · Wed · FriBackground checked
Therapy dog visits at home in South Orange, NJ
Plenty of South Orange residents have walked a dog to the duck pond in Meadowland Park at some point in their lives. For older residents who can't keep a dog anymore, Home Happenings arranges visits from certified therapy dog teams. The dog and handler come to the house together, and the handler is there for the whole visit.
A certified therapy dog and its handler come to you.
Friendly people serving South Orange
$70 / hr
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Who books dog visits
Lifelong dog owners who had to give one up. People who live alone in an apartment where pets aren't always allowed. Grandparents whose own dog died recently and who aren't ready for a new one. Sometimes it's the adult kids who book it, because Mom always perks up around dogs.
Therapy dog visits are social, not medical. Nobody's treating anything. It's an hour with a friendly, calm dog.
For people who are hard to engage in other ways, a dog can be the easiest way in. A handler might hand over a brush, or invite the person to give a simple command like 'sit', or just let the dog lie at their feet while everyone talks. The visit stays relaxed. There's nothing to achieve.
The first visit
The handler will usually let the person meet the dog slowly. Some people want to get straight to belly rubs; others prefer to watch for a few minutes first. Therapy dogs are trained to stay calm around walkers, wheelchairs and sudden noises.
Before the visit, tell the handler about stairs, other pets, and any mobility issues, and ask about the dog's size. A small dog can sit on the sofa; a large one can rest its head on a knee.
If a parent has dementia, mention it. Handlers are used to people who repeat questions or forget the dog's name. It doesn't matter. The dog doesn't mind either. Visits can be shorter if that suits them better.
Something to look forward to
The best thing about a weekly visit is the routine. The same dog, the same day, the same greeting at the door. People often save a treat (with the handler's okay) or a story to tell. If they're up for it, a slow walk with the dog and handler to the duck pond in Meadowland Park can become part of the visit.
After each visit, the handler writes a short note for the family.
Some families book a visit around a birthday or a hard anniversary, when a parent might be feeling low. It won't change the day, but it can make the afternoon better.
Cost
Handlers set their own rate between $50 and $150 an hour. Visits can be 1, 1.5 or 2 hours; most choose one hour. A $2.50 booking fee and a 10% service fee apply at checkout. Book a single visit, four weeks at the same time, or weekly until you cancel.
How visits work
Choose a one hour, 1.5 hour or two hour visit. Each visit adds a $2.50 booking fee and a 10% service fee. You pay when you book. Refunds follow our cancellation policy: free up to 3 days before. Every published professional completes an online search, a real conversation with our team, a signed provider agreement, a criminal background check through a screening vendor and a national sex offender registry check. The home address stays private until a visit is confirmed. Read profiles, compare open times and reviews, then book an open time straight from the calendar. Use Message to discuss your first visit.
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Questions seniors and families ask
Are therapy dogs safe for frail seniors?
Certified therapy dogs are chosen and trained for calm, gentle behavior, and the handler is always present and in control. Tell the handler about fragile skin, balance problems or a walker so they can plan. Choosing a smaller dog may suit someone very frail.
Can a therapy dog visit someone in an apartment?
Usually, yes. Check your building's rules about visiting dogs first. Handlers are used to elevators, lobbies and small spaces. Mention the building setup when you message the handler, including where they should park and how to get in.
How is a therapy dog different from a service dog?
A service dog is trained to perform tasks for one person with a disability. A therapy dog is trained to visit different people and be calm and friendly. Therapy dog visits are social visits, not a medical or disability service.
What does a therapy dog visit cost in South Orange?
Handlers set an hourly rate between $50 and $150, with 1, 1.5 or 2 hour visits. There's a $2.50 booking fee and a 10% service fee at checkout. Gift cards are available from $50 if you'd like to give visits as a present.
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