We do not offer basic obedience training at Hand in Paw. Rather, our workshops train potential teams how to provide Animal- Assisted Therapy in nursing homes, schools, and healthcare settings. We are happy to work with you on basic obedience commands to prepare for the final evaluation for Hand in Paw registration.
No. A therapy animal can serve on assigned Hand in Paw Animal-Assisted therapy visits only. Otherwise your pet can go in any public places any other pets can. Hand in Paw credentials should not be used as the guise of a service animal for admittance on airplanes, hotels or anywhere else that service animals only are allowed.
This is up to you, however, she may not be misrepresented as a therapy animal while accompanying you to work. She is only a therapy animal when participating in a Hand in Paw assigned therapy visit.
No, Hand in Paw is a human service organization that provides training and evaluations for therapy animals and their handlers; we do not have any association with service animals. For a guide to different service animal organizations, please click here.
Our Therapy Teams are just that – teams. Pets and their handlers work together to improve the health and well-being of the community. If your pet is part of our organization, you would be, too!
Your pet must be at least 18 months old. You must have owned your pet for at least six months. If volunteering with your dog, you and your dog must complete a basic group obedience class. Your pet must be spayed or neutered, and you must provide proof of COVID vaccination.
Hand in Paw requires a certificate of completion of a basic group obedience class (for dogs) prior to beginning our training sessions. Working with your pet as a team, as well as obedience, is a major part of the evaluation process!
Anywhere you’d like! Hand in Paw does not endorse any particular trainers, we only ask that your dog be trained for general obedience: sit, down, stay, and come. They must also walk politely on a loose leash, even in a crowded environment with other animals.
Hand in Paw registers dogs and cats.
Hand in Paw volunteers are required to be at least 18 years old.
