Become a Team
Are you thinking of becoming a therapy dog team? If so, congratulations! Therapy dog work is rewarding and fun!
There is no breed of dog better suited than another for therapy work. Our group ranges from purebred dogs to rescue mixes. The temperament of the dog is what is important.
Once you have become a registered team, you are welcome to join F.E.T.C.H. and participate in group visits, or go off on your own and do visits, or both. Many of our members have group and solo visits.
The steps to becoming a therapy team are simple, but they do take time and commitment. Click the arrow to learn more.
1. Review the guidelines at www.therapydogs.com and see what being a therapy team is all about.
2. Attend a therapy dog visit without your dog. This way you can see what being a therapy dog team is all about, ask questions of other team members, and make sure therapy dog volunteering is a good fit for you.
3. If you feel you and your dog are ready to test, please contact one of the tester/observers listed on the contact page.
4. Once you and your canine partner have passed the test, you will need to have at least three observed visits, two of which need to be at a medical facility.
5. Now that you have completed your test and required observations, all you need to do is send in your paperwork and fees to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, sit back and wait for your membership card to arrive! When you receive your card you are free to begin your career as a therapy dog team.
Financial Considerations
The required background check is a one time $20 fee.
There is a one time new member fee of $15.
Annual membership dues to Alliance of Therapy Dogs is currently $30. This includes your liability insurance. *Be advised that if you take your dog to work with you and are paid for your work, you are not covered by your therapy dog liability insurance.
Your dog must be current on rabies vaccination and must have a negative fecal result every year. The fecal exam tests for internal parasites and giardia. It is the responsibility of each owner to insure the canine partner is also free of external parasites.