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.
How do I become a Rainbow therapy team with my dog?
STEP 1
|
STEP 2
|
STEP 3
|
STEP 4
|
STEP 5
|
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 Rainbow medical training class.
Annual Membership Fee
$45 for an individual membership (1 handler, 1 dog)
$65 for a family membership (2 handlers, 1 dog)
$45 for an individual membership (1 handler, 1 dog)
$65 for a family membership (2 handlers, 1 dog)
Already a Rainbow therapy team? You can pay your annual membership dues here.
|
How do 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!
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!
Become a Volunteer |
Sponsor a Dog |
Request a Program |
Make a Difference |