**UPCOMING THERAPY CLASSES**

Cat Therapy class starting Thursday June 6th (click for details)

Introduction to Therapy Animals

Animals of almost any kind - including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, and more - can become therapy animals.  Through visits at seniors' homes, rehabilitation centers, schools, hospitals, and other facilities, these special animals bring comfort, learning, and fun to the people they reach.

Join us for an Intro to Therapy Animals class and find out what it takes to become part of an animal-assisted therapy team with your pet.  You will learn:

• What is animal-assisted therapy?
• How do I know if my pet would be a good therapy animal?
• What kinds of training do I and my pet need to be an animal therapy team?
• How can I get involved with the Animal Ambassadors therapy visiting program?

This introduction is free, but registration is required. For information on class dates and times, please click here. 
Humans only, please!

For more information or to register, please call (763) 489-2217 or contact the Training School online.

Therapy Dog Class

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/.

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, senior centers, schools, hospitals 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 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) 489-2217 or click here to email.
 

Upcoming Therapy Classes

Introduction to Therapy Animals - Humans only (no pets please)

Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00PM
Golden Valley Animal Humane Society site (directions)

Wednesday, June 12th at 7:00PM
Saint Paul Animal Humane Society site (directions)

Wednesday, July 17th at 7:00pm
Golden Valley Animal Humane Society site (directions)

Thursday, August 22nd at 7:00pm
Woodbury Animal Humane Society site (directions)

Therapy Dog Class (Ongoing)
See class description above or call 763-489-2217 or email the Training school for more information.

Therapy Cat Class
Classes are held at the Golden Valley Animal Humane Society site (Directions)  
Contact the Training school by email or by phone (763-489-2217) for more information and upcoming class dates.

Therapy Rabbit and Guinea Pig Class
Classes are held at the Golden Valley Animal Humane Society site (Directions)  
Contact the Training school by email or by phone (763-489-2217) for more information and upcoming class dates.
 

Animal Ambassadors

Have you already completed a therapy animal Program?  Are you interested in joining a group of other active volunteer teams?  The Animal Humane Society's Animal Ambassadors are volunteers who, along with their pets, provide animal-assisted therapy and activities to the elderly throughout the Twin Cities metro area. In addition to regular therapy visiting, the Animal Ambassadors group meets quarterly for social time and learning opportunities.  AHS staff will help you connect to a volunteer opportunity if needed to get you started and offer support along the way.  Email us or check out the Animal Ambassadors page for more information.