Volunteer/Request a Site Visit

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

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!

Request a Site Visit: