How to Become a Pet Therapy Volunteer Team

We’d love for you to join us in our volunteer work!

Requirements for Humans

18 years or older, or ( Pet-a-Pet only) over 12 and accompanied by a parent or guardian
Have a great partnership with your pet
Enjoy meeting strangers and making conversation with them
Are comfortable in a nursing home environment and interacting with people who may be confused, physically or mentally challenged, or terminally ill (Pet-a-Pet)
Are comfortable with children and reading with them in a school or library setting (R.E.A.D.)
Are comfortable with children in a hospital setting (C.A.R.e)
Have homeowner’s or related insurance to cover your visits (Pet-a-Pet only; R.E.A.D. and C.A.R.e are covered through the Delta organization)
Pass a certification test (R.E.A.D. and C.A.R.e)
Sign a confidentiality agreement and pass a background check (C.A.R.e)

Obedient, socially friendly, and calm temperament
Tolerant of being touched, sometimes roughly, with no retaliation
Socialized with people of all ages
Able to handle unusual events, sights, and sounds
Current on all vaccinations with written proof from your veterinarian
Able to walk calmly on a tight leash without jumping on people if a large pet, or be carried around calmly in a basket if a small pet (Pet-a-Pet)
Is comfortable in a sit, stay for an extended period of time (R.E.A.D.)
Pass a shelter-performed behavioral test (Pet-a-Pet)
Delta certification (R.E.A.D. and C.A.R.e)

Contact Pet Therapy Coordinator to schedule an orientation session. This approximately 1-hour meeting provides specific information about volunteering as a Pet Therapy Team for either Pet-a-Pet, R.E.A.D., or C.A.R.e.
Fill out the applications and forms provided to you at this session.
In the case of R.E.A.D. or C.A.R.e, please bring your pet's Delta Badges so the information can be copied and kept on file at the shelter.
(Pet-a-Pet only) Schedule an appointment at the shelter for a temperament test. In this approximately 15 minute test, an HHS staff member determines if your pet has the right temperament and personality for the program. At this time, you must also provide the staff member conducting the test or the Pet Therapy Coordinator with proof from your vet that your pet is current on its rabies vaccine.
The Pet Therapy Team Coordinator contacts you to schedule an appointment where you accompany a current volunteer/pet team on a visit. You do not bring your pet to this visit, only yourself. This gives you the chance to determine first hand if you enjoy the program.
Schedule an appointment through the Pet Therapy Team Coordinator where you and your pet make your first visit accompanied by one of our experienced volunteers who will train you and observe your dog/cat for signs of stress in the field.