This opportunity is only for people who have their own certified therapy pet. Therapy pets encourage positive interaction and offer a calming atmosphere. Children learn care and ways to be safe around pets. Pets can stimulate a child's language and increase vocabulary, motivates a child in physical and occupational therapy and receives unconditional acceptance from therapy pets.
Requirements for Therapy Animal Teams
All therapy animal teams must:
- Be currently registered and in good standing with a recognized therapy animal organization, such as:
- Pet Partners
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs
- Therapy Dogs International
- Provide proof of:
- Current registration
- Liability insurance (if not covered by the registering organization)
- Up-to-date vaccinations and annual veterinary clearance
- Complete Rainbows United volunteer requirements, which may include:
- Volunteer application
- Background check
- Orientation/training
- Confidentiality agreement
- Remain under the control of the handler at all times (leashed or otherwise appropriately restrained).
- Health and Safety Standards
- Therapy animals must be clean, groomed, and free of illness or parasites prior to visits.
- Animals showing signs of stress, illness, or behavioral concerns must not participate.
- Visits will be coordinated in advance with program leadership.
- Participants with allergies, fear of animals, or medical contraindications will not be required to interact.
- Hand hygiene protocols must be followed before and after animal contact.
