Training Program

Therapy ARC’s Training Program Consists of Five Steps

  1. Screening: All interested volunteers and their animal teammates first meet with members of our Training Team to determine if animal assisted activities/therapy (AAA/AAT) is right for them
  2. Handler’s Seminar: A one day “humans only” workshop focused on the “what, where and why” of AAA/AAT.
  3. Team Practicum: Bring your animal for this one! This hands on portion of training lasts for one hour each on one night a week for five total weeks. Student teams role play real life visiting situations and practice for the final evaluation
  4. Evaluation: At the end of the five week evening class, teams participate in a “final exam” which determines their readiness to begin volunteering in facility settings. Upon passing the evaluation, teams will be covered under Therapy ARC's two million dollar liability insurance.
  5. Ongoing Support: Registered teams receive regular requests from facilities and organizations seeking volunteers. All Therapy ARC teams are updated on organization activities and are invited to several fun and educational volunteer events each year. Each team is encouraged to get involved by assisting at future classes and evaluations, helping organize volunteer events and accepting leadership roles. Whenever possible, new teams are given the opportunity to shadow or be accompanied by current registered teams to help them get started

Cost: There is no cost for the screening. Once accepted for the training program, the cost is $180.00 and includes all portions listed above offered by Therapy ARC, including the seminar, practicum, evaluation and mentoring options.

For more information about our training program, contact us.