Pizza and Paws

Semester End Event -- Fall & Spring

Dogs visit the library (Daytona and Deland) each semester before final exams for a fun, relaxing, stress-reducing event!

Registered Therapy Dogs

Each dog is a registered therapy dog from a nationally recognized therapy dog organization. Therapy dogs must meet certain requirements for good manners and good health before they can become registered therapy dogs.

Our dogs are registered with one of the therapy dog organizations, such as Therapy Dogs Inc. (TDInc), or Therapy Dogs International (TDI). In addition, they are all registered READing Paws dogs. This means they are trained to visit libraries to help children become comfortable with reading.

Organizations such as these regulate, test and register therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, libraries and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.

Dogs must meet these minimum requirements as part of the registration process:

• Be good around other dogs
• Listen to their handlers
• Allow strangers to touch them all over
• Not jump on people when interacting
• Walk on a leash without pulling
• Be calm for petting
• Be current on all vaccines required by local laws
• Be clean and well groomed

Additional Training & Certification

Some of the dogs in the program also have training in other areas, such dog agility and certification from the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) program.

Campus Permit

DSC does not normally allow dogs on campus. Therapy dogs are not considered assistance dogs and do not have the legal access rights that either assistance or service dogs have.

**All dogs participating in this program have a special permit from the DSC campus allowing them to come onto campus while participating in this program.

Healthy Dogs & Other Certification

All dog handlers have provided the organization with proof that their dogs are healthy and are registered therapy dogs. Proof of rabies and distemper vaccinations, a registered dog therapy certificate, and a current dog license are all required by the campus.

Responsible Dog Handlers

While on the DSC campus, all dog handlers also agree to:

• Keep their dogs on leash and under supervision at all times
• Clean up after their dogs
• Ensure their dogs wear identification showing the owner's name, address and phone number
• Take responsibility for their dog's behavior so they do not cause a nuisance
• Carry the proper permit allowing their dog on campus for the purpose of the program