Volunteer
Join our Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy communityWho We Are
Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy
Starting with seven therapy teams in 1987, Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy has grown to the largest pet therapy organization in the Chicago metropolitan area. Today, nearly 200 therapy teams help tens of thousands of people of all ages, every year.
How do I become a Rainbow therapy team with my dog?
STEP 1
ENROLL
Enroll in our Therapy Dog Training Class
STEP 2
PASS
Pass the Rainbow registry test
STEP 3
APPLY
Submit your Rainbow application
STEP 4
CLEAR
Pass a criminal background check
STEP 5
INTERN
Complete an internship with a Rainbow team
Membership Eligibility
- Handlers must be 18 years or older
- Dogs must:
- Be 12 months or older with a maximum age of 8 years old
- Have lived with the handler in a permanent home for at least 6 months
- Have mastered basic obedience commands (sit, down, stay, etc.)
- Be able to walk on a loose lead
- Be up-to-date on vaccinations and in healthy condition
Interested in volunteering with us at a hospital? Rainbow therapy teams that visit hospitals are required to have at least six months of experience working in our programs and complete our three-part medical training class.
Annual Membership Fee
$45 for an individual membership (1 handler, 1 dog)
$65 for a family membership (2 handlers, 1 dog)
Already a Rainbow therapy team? Please contact us if you need assistance and we’ll walk you through how to pay your annual membership dues.
Therapy Dog Training Class
Rainbow’s Therapy Dog Training Class is intended for dog owners interested in volunteering with their dog at Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy programs. It is not a basic obedience class, rather, it will help prepare you and your dog to serve others and help our program participants reach their goals. We’ll also introduce the games and activities used in our therapy work. You’ll learn new ways to interact with your favorite canine and you’ll both have some fun along the way.
​Please note that completion of this course does not qualify the team (dog and handler) for therapy work. Dogs must be registered with a therapy organization, such as Rainbow, in order to be certified to do visitation and/or animal assisted therapy. Learn more on our Volunteer page.
Class Eligibility
Handlers must be 18 years or older.
Dogs must be 12 months or older with a maximum age of 8 years old, and:
- Have lived with the handler in a permanent home for at least 6 months
- Have mastered basic obedience commands (sit, down, stay, etc.)
- Be able to walk on a loose lead
- Be up-to-date on vaccinations and in healthy condition
Ready to get started? Print and email the completed registration form and proof of rabies vaccination to Donna Head at dlh9127@comcast.net or text a picture at (847) 651-6556.
You can also mail your registration to Rainbow at 6042 W Oakton Street, Morton Grove IL, 60053 (Attn: Therapy Dog Training Class)
It All Starts Here
Enrolling in this class is the first step to becoming a Rainbow therapy team with your dog.
Spring 2026 Class Schedule
Morton Grove
SUNDAYS 10:30- 11:45 AM
March 15, 22, 29 and April 12, 19
THURSDAYS 10:30-11:45 AM
March 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 16
TUESDAYS 6:45 – 8:00 PM
April 28 and May 5, 12, 19, 26
MONDAYS 10:30 – 11:45 AM
May 4, 11, 18 and June 1, 8
Class Capacity
8 dog/handler teams at our Morton Grove location
Fee
$125 for one handler
$175 for two handlers​
Registration includes 5 classes
If you submitted your registration form and have been notified of class placement, click below to process your payment.
Can I become a Rainbow volunteer without a dog?
No dog, no problem! We offer many opportunities for volunteers without dogs.
Just as we match dogs to the program that suits their skills and personality, we utilize our volunteers’ experience and training to match them to our program needs. Are you a dog trainer, social worker, special education teacher, former dog owner, graphic artist, marketing specialist, or general contractor? Let’s talk!
What We Do
What is animal assisted therapy?
Animal assisted therapy is the utilization of animals to facilitate healing and rehabilitation in a therapeutic setting. It is a goal-directed intervention in which a dog plays an important part in someone’s physical, social, and emotional therapy activities. Our dogs use their special training to work intensely with one person at a time or in small groups.