Helper Dog Heroes

The assessment

• What you need to do – please read these through carefully.
• Dog owner’s questionnaire – please complete this and bring it with you to the assessment along with your vaccination certificate and any paperwork.
• Your dog assessment sheets are included so that you know what the assessment entails.
• Your dog must wear a collar, tag and lead during the assessment.
• As the owner, you must at all times be responsible for your dog’s behaviour and you may use commands during the assessment.
• No children should be used during the assessment.
• Veterinary letter – this will need to be signed by your vet and brought to the assessment.

Reassessment of existing helper dogs

Dogs will normally require reassessment annually, or prior to this if concerns are raised to make sure they are comfortable and enjoying their role.

What you need to do

• Dogs must have lived with the caregiver for at least 6 weeks.
• Dogs may be handled by someone other than the caregiver, as long as that person is wellknown to the dog and has regular contact with it.
• We require helper dogs to be neutered.
• Dogs must be fully covered by their vaccinations.
• Dogs must be up-to-date with preventative parasite products.
• Owners should keep a record of all vaccinations and parasite treatments.
• All dogs must pass the assessment for this work, as agreed by RSPCA, annually.
• Before each assessment the owner must provide a reference from a vet to say that the dog is healthy enough to take part in this work.
• Dogs with docked tails may only be used if they have been docked in line with current legislation or are rehomed dogs.
• Dogs with a history of aggression towards people and dogs may not take part.
• Dogs must wear visible identification including a tag including the owner’s name and address.

This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to further revision at any time.