Table 2.

Stepwise model to build clinic—canine therapy partnership.

Therapy Program Personal	Veterinarian/Clinic Staff
1.Therapy program identifies and contacts a potential collaborating local veterinary clinic to book an appointment with a veterinarian.	1.Veterinarian accepts appointment to discuss opportunity.
2.Therapy program attends appointment with documentation and explains the benefits of a partnership.
3.Therapy program invites veterinarian to observe a new handler/new dog session to observe desired behaviors. Provides explicit instruction to veterinarian on all aspects of screening, assessment, and selection of dog/handler teams.	2.The veterinarian learns the program’s screening, assessment, and selection practices.
4.Therapy program invites veterinarian to attend a therapy session familiarizing them with the program operation and environment.	3.Veterinarian is familiarized with therapy program goals and expectations by attending session.
5.Therapy program enters informal agreement with participating veterinarian clinic.	4.Veterinary clinic enters informal agreement with therapy program.
6.Therapy program endorses veterinary clinic on website or social media and through dog handler referrals.	5.Veterinarian informally screens clients during routine clinical visits for potential recommendation to therapy program.
7.Therapy program maintains regular communication with veterinary clinic about potential therapy candidates.	6.Veterinary clinic maintains regular communication with therapy program about potential therapy candidates.
8.Therapy program follows through on recommendations by veterinarian.