RAINBOW ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY
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Volunteer

Join our Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy community.
Rainbow therapy teams visit facilities throughout the Chicago metropolitan area including hospitals, schools, libraries, park districts, and more.
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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.
our work

​How do I become a Rainbow therapy team with my dog? 

STEP 1
​ENROLL

Enroll in our Rainbow AAT Introduction class

STEP 2
​PASS

Pass the Rainbow AAT registry test

STEP 3
​APPLY

Send us your Rainbow AAT membership application

STEP 4
CLEAR

Pass a criminal background check 

STEP 5
​GET MENTORED

Complete an internship with an experienced team
Apply Now
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)
Already a Rainbow therapy team? You can pay your annual membership dues here.
Make Payment

​​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!
Get Started

Become a Volunteer

Apply Now

Sponsor a Dog

Meet Our Dogs

​Request a Program

Get Started

​Make a Difference

Donate Now
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​They Train. They Serve. They Heal.
At Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy, our trained volunteers and certified therapy dogs are devoted to healing lives in our communities with programs designed to meet the unique needs of each person we serve using the mutually nurturing relationship between people and dogs.
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Programs & Classes
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FAQ
Contact Us
Connect with Us
6042 W Oakton Street
Morton Grove, IL 60053

Phone: 773-283-1129
Email: [email protected]
Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
​© 2025 Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • Our Mission
    • Nancy's Legacy
    • Friends of Rainbow
    • Testimonials
    • FAQ
    • Newsroom
  • Our Work
    • Programs
    • Classes
  • Volunteer
  • Sponsor a Dog
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Volunteer Login