Therapy Dog

Does your dog enjoy people?  Would you like to make a difference in your community?  If you answered yes to both of these questions then volunteering as a therapy dog team might be just for you!

After your dog passes the CGC (Canine Good Citizen Test) you are eligible to enroll in the Therapy Dog Class.  You will learn the skills needed to visit in the facilities of your choice, such as hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, physical therapy centers, and schools, by practicing  in simulated situations.

A free preview to the therapy dog class for CGC graduates will be offered once a month to answer any questions.   Becoming a therapy dog team is a great opportunity for unique and rewarding experiences!

Please contact the Training School at (763) 489-2217 to register for upcoming preview classes.  Prospective students must already have the CGC certification.  You can learn more about the CGC by clicking http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/.

*New: Therapy animal classes for cats, rabbits and guinea pigs

Does your pet always seem to brighten the mood as it snuggles and nuzzles everyone in the room? Then it might have what it takes to be a therapy animal. Therapy work traditionally uses dogs, but there are a number of facilities and programs in the Twin Cities seeking small critters to come and visit. In fact, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs are in high demand at nursing homes, Ronald McDonald House, schools and other places where therapy animals help make a difference in people’s lives.

As part of the class, you and your pet will go through mock scenarios that are similar to what you would experience in a hospital or school setting. There are 20 visiting exercises that your pet must demonstrate to become a therapy animal. The class will help teach your pet behavior that is reliable, controllable and predictable. To become registered as a therapy animal team, you and your pet need to pass a Delta Pet Partners evaluation.

To learn more about therapy animals, attend an Introduction to Therapy Animals Session (no cost) at the Animal Humane Society nearest you. Training classes are offered several times a year for Therapy Cats and Therapy Rabbits/Guinea Pigs. For more information, please call (763) 489-2220 or email education@animalhumanesociety.org.