Whatever you have needs to be well trained, a lot of people and/or groups recommends putting the animal thru the certification therapy pet program in order to know they are safe in all environments. I want to say it's therapy pets international??? They need to be groomed prior to going to the places and YOU need to know how to handle situations if someone is scared or if they have "ticks" or some other behaviors that may startle the animals, or if they are scared of the animals, how to handle that.

Good luck!

I brought my Maltese to a fun dog show (best costume, that sort of thing) at a local nursing home, partly to show her off, and partly to see how she'd do. She did GREAT!! The rec therapist said that usually pets have to be "therapy pets" to come on a regular basis. I think it is Therapy Dogs International. My cousin is the head of the Rec dept. at another Nursing home, and she brings her dog to work every Friday. Children move about more so you would need a very calm dog who doesn't spook easily. I work in a Special Ed. school, and i wish we were allowed to bring our pets.

i always thought the warm and fuzzy animals for this was the best way to go UNTIL about three weeks ago, my dad went out to feed my chickens and my goats attacked him for the corn. they got him down and took his bucket away. well i've told dad time and time again, feed the goats first then the chickens. it keeps the goats busy so you can go through the pen. at any rate, as he was trying to get up, one of my 3 yr old does went over to him and stood by him and he climed up her back to get up on his feet. she followed him to the chickened and head butted any other goats that come buy. i was amazed. she was never trained for anything like this and it only happend once. i talked to a friend of mine that raises goats, and he said he use to take his into town to places like petting zoo's etc, or where there are elderly or handicapped. he only took the well behaved ones, but i was just amazed that this doe sensed the need to help. i'm keeping her, if for not other reason then to help out my dad.