Prerequisites:

Prerequisites, Training and Certification

To become a certified therapy team, you will need to:

1. Have a phone evaluation

2. Pass CGC testing

3. Meet the prerequisites

4. Attend the training workshop

5. Pass the Written test

6. Pass the Aptitude test

7. Attend a supervised visitation

DOG REQUIREMENTS:

1. Dogs must be at least one year old or a rescue dog who has resided with you for a minimum of 6 months and at least one year old.

2. Must have their Canine Good Citizen certificate OR our Paws For Love AKC-CGC evaluators will provide the CGC testing

3. Solid in basic obedience commands

4. Should be well-socialized to people, other dogs, places and situations.

HANDLER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be age 16+ with an adult certifying also.

2. 4-H dogs and child can certify with a parent or 4-H leader and that person must attend visitations with the 4-H child.

3. Must demonstrate a team relationship with your dog

4. Must be able to commit to a 15 hours of visitation per year.

5. Must be able to commit to 10 hours of support time to Paws For Love.

Training Workshop

A training workshop will be held for those who have met the prerequisites. The training workshop is typically 6 hours. The training workshop includes a written test.

Aptitude Testing

After attending the training workshop, you will be scheduled for an aptitude test. This will test you and your dog on simulated situations you may encounter as a certified therapy team.

Supervised Visitation

Upon successfully completing the training workshop and passing both the written test and aptitude test, you will attend a supervised visitation. This critical step is designed to ensure that you can apply the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the training.

Training and Certification:

If you are ready to take this journey, please reach out to us.

Phone Evaluation

You will have a phone evaluation with one of our board members.

CGC Testing

You and your dog will be required to pass a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test. If your dog passed a CGC test prior to being 1 year old, you will be required to pass a CGC test with Paws For Love.

Helpful Links:

• American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/

• Canine Good Citizen Test Items: CGC Test Items

Graduation

After passing the written test and aptitude test, you will attend a graduation ceremony. During this ceremony, you will receive your written certification and a badge.