What makes a Great Therapy Pet?
The dog must be at least 9 months old, calm, friendly, well socialized and up to date on shots. They must like being around other pets and being petted by people of all ages.
**Pets must NOT be on a raw food diet.
A Handler/Dog/Cat/Rabbit team consists of one pet and one handler, who is over 18 years of age. The pet must be a certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC). FAF is associated with a CGC evaluator and can work with interested teams to get certified. Some of the components of the FAF/CGC certification include:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Appearance and Grooming
- Out walking on a loose leash with turns
- Walking through a crowd
- Sitting and laying down on command /Staying in place
- Coming when called
- Reacting calmly to another animal
- Reaction to different distractions
- Supervised 3 minute separation
- Takes a treat politely from hand
- Leave it- will walk past a treat
- Reacting calmly to loud noises, medical equipment like wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walker or other equipment deemed necessary
Dogs who have passed the FAF/CGC requirements and have been a volunteer with FAF for one year are eligible to take the FAF/ CGCA (Advanced).
- Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control
- Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring)-does not pull.
left and right turn, stop, fast and slow pace - Walks on a loose leash through a crowd.
- Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull.
- Sit-stay in small group (3 other people with dogs).
Owners and dogs are in an informal group while owners have a conversation. - Dog allows person who is carrying something (e.g., purse, computer case, backpack) to approach and pet it. “May I pet your dog?” (Item is put on floor/ground before person pets dog)
- “Leave it.” Dog walks by food and follows owner instructions, “Leave it.”
- Down or sit stay (owner’s choice) at a distance.
- Recall with distractions present (coming when called).
Handler goes out 20-ft. (off center) and calls dog. Dog comes past a distractor to return to handler. - Dog enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway (on leash, with owner) in a controlled manner.
- Dog will not react to loud noises
- Dog will take a treat politely from a strangers hand
Requirements for cats and rabbits
The cat or rabbit has lived with you at least 6 months, has all vaccinations, is NOT on a RAW MEAT DIET, gets along well with other animals and doesn’t mind being on a harness and leash
1) Demonstrates positive interactions with other animals
2) Welcomes interaction with strangers of all ages
3) Likes being picked upRequirements for4) Likes being petted/hugged/brushed without getting anxious
5) Is confident in a new environment and around unusual noises
6) IF they like treats, can take it nicely
7) Would love to volunteer a couple of hours a month
Volunteer Request Form
To access the intake form please click here
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Are you interested in FURever As Friends doing a presentation for your group,
need to destress your students during exams or
would like us to visit your business for some PetTherapy?
Please fill out the form below!
