Volunteer
Become part of the USA Therapy Dogs Team
Volunteer with your furry companion and make a meaningful impact with USA Therapy Dogs! Join us in spreading comfort and joy to those in need by becoming a therapy dog team. Simply review our guidelines, complete the Membership Application, and embark on a rewarding journey of compassion and companionship. Together, we can make a difference, one wagging tail at a time.
Now Enrolling for Spring 2025
Spring 2025 Training Sessions: Enroll Now with USA Therapy Dogs!
Are you ready to embark on a journey of compassion and connection? Join USA Therapy Dogs for our Spring 2025 Training Sessions and become part of something truly special.
Here's why you should enroll:
Expert Guidance: Our training sessions are led by experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you and your dog become a certified therapy team.
Comprehensive Curriculum: From mastering essential skills to understanding the nuances of therapy dog work, our program covers everything you need to know to make a meaningful impact.
Hands-On Experience: Get real-world experience through fieldwork in hospitals, nursing homes, children’s centers, and more. Gain the confidence and skills needed to bring comfort and joy to those in need.
Supportive Community: Join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. Connect with fellow handlers and share your experiences and insights.
Easy Enrollment: Simply visit our website, fill out the necessary forms, and submit your application. Our team will guide you through the process every step of the way.
Don't miss this opportunity to make a positive impact in your community. Enroll in our Spring 2024 Training Sessions today and discover the transformative power of therapy dog work with USA Therapy Dogs.
Together, we can make a difference—one wagging tail at a time."
First class: Monday, February 24, 2025
Class Location:
Independence Township Senior Community Center | 6000 Clarkston Rd. Clarkston, MI 48348
13 weeks total – we will meet 12 consecutive classes for instruction, Week 13 is graduation.
Mondays | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
SCROLL DOWN TO APPLY
Enrollment closes February 17, 2025
A.K.C.-C.G.C.A (Advanced Canine Good Citizen) Test and USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. Training Program
As part of the USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. training program, dogs and their owners focus on mastering the essential skills required to pass the prestigious A.K.C.-C.G.C.A. (Advanced Canine Good Citizen) test. This test, recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), is a core part of our certification process and ensures that therapy dog teams are well-prepared to visit facilities, offering comfort and support to those in need.
During our 12-week training program, dogs and handlers work on mastering key skills such as:
Walking on a loose leash without pulling, even in environments with distractions.
Obeying commands like sit, down, and stay while remaining focused in busy settings.
Interacting politely with strangers, facility staff, and other dogs without aggression or fear.
Maintaining calmness and composure in public spaces such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
The C.G.C.A. test is crucial in the certification process, demonstrating that a dog is well-behaved, adaptable, and can provide safe and reliable companionship in therapy settings. Passing this test is essential for certification, allowing the handler and dog to officially visit facilities as part of the USA Therapy Dog team.
Training Program Fees:
1 Handler/1 Dog: $250
2 Handlers/1 Dog: $350
Current Member with 1 New Dog: $150
1 New Handler with a Current Dog: $175
If a dog does not pass the C.G.C.A. test, a retake will be required to ensure the dog meets the required standards. Retake fees cover additional training and resources, helping handlers and their dogs improve their skills. The retake fees are as follows:
Retake Fee for 1 Handler/1 Dog: $200
Retake Fee for 2 Handlers/1 Dog: $300
The retake fee includes the cost of re-enrollment, extra training sessions, and time dedicated by our trainers to ensure that the handler and dog meet the necessary standards for certification. Without successfully passing the C.G.C.A. test, handlers and their dogs will not be permitted to visit facilities as an official USA Therapy Dog team.
Become a Therapy Dog Team
Thank you for your interest in joining USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. By applying, you are taking the first step toward becoming part of a compassionate team dedicated to bringing comfort, support, and joy to individuals in need through the power of therapy dogs.
Please note that not all applications are approved. Once all the required paperwork is completed and submitted, the President of USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. will carefully review your application. You will be notified whether you and your dog have been accepted into the program.
Should your application not be approved, rest assured that all payments are fully refundable. We value your interest and look forward to potentially welcoming you and your dog into our therapy dog team, where you can make a meaningful impact in your community.
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Application Forms
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Membership Application
The USA Therapy Dogs Membership Application Form is the official document required to apply for membership in our organization. It collects essential information about the handler and their dog, ensuring both meet the necessary criteria for therapy work. The form also initiates the evaluation process, which includes review by our President, and must be completed in full before acceptance into the program.
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Membership Guidelines Agreement
SIGNATURE REQUIRED: The Member Guidelines Agreement outlines the expectations and standards that all prospective handlers must agree to before joining USA Therapy Dogs as a certified therapy dog team.
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Canine Information Form
Tell Us A Little about Your Dog: Please answer honestly. Your responses are just for our information and will not exempt you from being enrolled in the program. It will be used as a guide to best train your pet for therapy work.
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USA Therapy Dogs Pre-Screening Questionnaire
Please complete the USA Therapy Dogs Pre-Screening Questionnaire to help us assess your dog's suitability and readiness for our therapy dog certification program.
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Photographic Release Form
SIGNATURE REQUIRED: The Photographic Release Form grants permission for USA Therapy Dogs to use images or videos of handlers and their therapy dogs for promotional, educational, or marketing purposes.
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Veterinarian Authorization Form
The USA Therapy Dogs Inc. Veterinarian Authorization Form confirms a dog's health and up-to-date vaccinations, signed by a licensed veterinarian, to ensure fitness for therapy work. THIS EXACT FORM MUST BE COMPLETED, SIGNED BY VET, AND SUBMITTED.
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Application Payment
To enroll in the USA Therapy Dogs Spring 2025 Training Program, select your handler and dog enrollment option via the Givebutter form and complete your payment. Once payment is made, be sure to fill out and upload all required forms to finalize your application. Enrollment closes on February 17, 2025.
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