Become a Volunteer

Ready to start your volunteer journey with Pet Partners? Review the steps below and create an account to begin the process of becoming a registered therapy animal team today!

A llama and his handler visit with 2 men in a facility.
Marisco the Llama
A llama and his handler visit with 2 men in a facility.
Marisco the Llama

Get Started with Pet Partners

Pet Partners therapy dog with medical staff near CT scan machine.
Jaxson the Goldendoodle

Create your online account in the Volunteer Center–you’ll need to log in to your account to complete each step of your registration. Once logged in, click My Registrations, and then Start a Team Registration. The checklist will serve as your guide through the registration process.

The key to safe, effective visits is the training for the “human end of the leash”– you. The Handler Training is not a therapy animal or therapy dog training course. Instead, you’ll learn your responsibilities and expectations for successfully volunteering as a Pet Partners handler in any facility you wish to visit.

Therapy dog training along with other animal training can be taken either in person, if a volunteer instructor lives in your area, or online. The in-person workshop is a great opportunity to ask questions of an experienced Pet Partners volunteer and make connections in your local community. However, there might not always be a course in your area at a time that works in your schedule, so the online course is a great alternative.

You must complete and pass either the online or in-person Handler Training before attending your team evaluation. The online Handler Training fee is $80.

Our Animal Health Screening form will be signed by your veterinarian, confirming that your animal is healthy and able to participate in the program. The form is available as part of your online registration process. Only the official Pet Partners Animal Health Screening form is acceptable documentation to meet this requirement.

This is when you and your pet demonstrate that together you are able to conduct safe and effective visits. The therapy animal or therapy dog training you have worked on with your pet will help you and your pet be successful. The team evaluation is a simulated therapy animal visit conducted by a Pet Partners volunteer team evaluator. Remember, you must complete and pass your Handler Course before the date of your team evaluation. Our event calendar contains currently scheduled team evaluations. Please don’t be discouraged if there is nothing scheduled in your area. Simply contact us and we’ll connect you with a local team evaluator. The fee for a team evaluation typically ranges from $15-$30.

To finish up, complete a background check via an email request from the Advocates at Sterling Volunteers on behalf of Pet Partners. The background check cost is included in your initial registration or registration renewal fee. There is no additional cost.

Your registration fee covers two years of volunteerism with Pet Partners, including your insurance coverage, background check, free or discounted continuing education, access to resources, and support from our amazing staff. Pet Partners is committed to keeping volunteerism as accessible as possible, so your fee covers only a portion of the true cost to volunteer. Pet Partners relies on charitable donations and sponsorships to make this program possible.

The registration fee for first-time registrations is $95. There are some discounts available. See our Fees page for more information.

Please contact us with any questions about volunteering with your pet as a therapy dog or other therapy animal or if you need assistance with the registration process.Contact

Pet Partners therapy dog with medical staff near CT scan machine.
Jaxson the Goldendoodle

Questions?

If you still have questions about the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program, review our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.