DOG VOLUNTEERS

STAAR is the leading conference in the field of canine rehabilitation and physical therapy. It is comprised of a variety of interactive, rehab-centered workshops, and is attended by veterinary professionals from around the world.  Workshops are taught by leaders and pioneers in the field of veterinary rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain management, sports medicine, and fitness.  STAAR workshops have included courses in massage therapy, therapeutic exercise and conditioning, gait analysis, neurological rehabilitation, spinal injury and rehab, orthotic devices, aquatic therapy, and myofascial techniques, to name a few.  

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To optimize learning, STAAR provides interactive, hands-on, practical labs using dog volunteers. These volunteers and their handlers are pivotal to the success of STAAR. Our veterinary participants benefit greatly from being able to work with your dog, and this experience helps to make them better clinicians. STAAR instructors and participants are some of the best veterinarians and physical therapists in the world and they take a personal approach to the care of your dog.  It goes without saying that dogs are not harmed in any way and many dogs actually benefit from treatments.

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Important Information for Potential Dog Volunteers:

• Your dog must be comfortable around people and other dogs. 

• Your dog must be comfortable with being examined by qualified professionals who will assess them for tenderness, pain, and muscle weakness.

• Your dog should be relatively quiet and well behaved in the sessions. The classrooms are a place of learning, and the participants have paid to be there. We aim to ensure an optimal learning experience.

• Though healthy dogs are welcome, we also appreciate and welcome dogs with physical and/or medical issues. Dogs with specific issues are usually paired in workshops where those issues are specifically addressed. For example, this year, we are having a workshop on knee/stifle injuries in dogs and how to treat them. Therefore, dogs with knee injuries or recent knee surgeries are welcomed in this specific workshop.

• Dogs must be at least 15 lbs. to participate in STAAR.

• All dogs older than 12 months are welcome.

• We assume your dog is up to date on all vaccines and shots (e.g., rabies).

• We have a 1 person per dog policy as space is limited in the classrooms. If you need to bring an additional person with you, please let us know ahead of time.

• Please only bring the dog(s) you registered and who have been approved by the STAAR Committee (no substitutions).

Dog handlers can volunteer for one or more workshops.  All of our classrooms are fully carpeted and have water bowls and wholesome treats.  Light snacks and drinks will also be provided for you. There is a nice outdoor area where you can walk your dog and poop bags are available on premises.  We do not permit dog handlers under the age of 18.  Thank you. 
 

If you are interested in volunteering with your dog at STAAR, please complete the STAAR DOG VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM or contact Jill Fox, our Dog Volunteer Coordinator, at: jill@staarconference.com or 732-822-8810.  Thank you.

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