While many therapy animal teams volunteer independently, others enjoy collaborating with other teams. Through Pet Partners Community Partner groups, handlers work together to coordinate efforts for community impact while making new friends.
Community Partners are groups of registered Pet Partners therapy animal teams that serve a specific geographic area. They work to increase local participation, recruit new volunteer teams, and educate their community about the powerful impact of the human-animal bond. Belonging to a Community Partner builds camaraderie, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose, as you work with other like-minded volunteers to establish community connections and expand volunteer opportunities.
Our Community Partners are essential to our organizational mission, and we couldn’t do what we do without them. Currently, Pet Partners has over 70 Community Partners across the U.S. and around the world, and we are growing all the time. Community Partners receive dedicated support, including access to helpful tools, resources, and regularly scheduled listening sessions to highlight and address current challenges or opportunities that exist in the field.
First, take a look at our Community Partner directory to see if there is an existing Community Partner in your local area. If there is, use the contact information listed to reach out and find ways to get involved with the existing group.
Pet Partners prospective and current volunteers can connect virtually with others through the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Community on Facebook. Ask questions about the registration process, peruse visiting tips, or find other individual volunteers who visit in your local community.
Start a Community Partner group in your area. Get started by reviewing our Community Partner Guide, then contact us to receive your Community Partner Tool Kit and schedule a call to discuss the process. We can help you as you begin recruiting teams as well as provide you with a customized logo.
