Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted activities provide a tremendous opportunity for you to volunteer your time and energy to make a difference in people’s lives. There are many different approaches to animal-assisted therapy, from an individual volunteer/pet team visiting a facility on a totally independent schedule, to a group such as LAPS where multiple teams visit facilities on a pre-arranged schedule. One size does not fit all when it comes to animal-assisted therapy organizations. Education is the key to finding the right path for you and your pet.
If you are interested in getting started in AAT, we suggest you visit some of the following sites:
DogPlay.com
Dog Play has information on many different activities you can pursue with your dog. The site has links to the national AAT groups as well as a state-by-state listing of local, independent groups, such as LAPS.
Pet Partners
Pet Partners offers Therapy Animal Program for all domestic pets, not just dogs and cats. By passing their home-study course and evaluation given by a Licensed Team Evaluator, you become a registered therapy team. You can volunteer on your own or join a group such as LAPS.