Volunteer

There are many things to consider when assessing an animal’s suitability for the demands of therapy work. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Is my dog at least 16 months old?
• Does my dog LOVE people?
•  Is my dog dependable and trustworthy?
• Is my dog healthy?
• Is my dog house trained?
• Does my dog feel comfortable in new situations?
• Is my dog generally quiet (no excessive barking or whining) in public?
• Is my dog confident and easy-going?
• Is my dog friendly with other dogs?
• Is my dog polite when asking for attention?
• Would my dog be comfortable being groomed before every visit?
• Have I completed a group obedience training class with my dog?

You can also learn if therapy work is right for your dog by taking our Therapy Dog Quiz.

Watch the informational video on our Applications page to learn more about HABIC, what our therapy teams do, and where they volunteer. It also answers many common questions. After watching, please complete an application to create your profile in our system so we can contact you with next steps for enrolling in a training class.

HABIC certifies therapy dog teams through successful completion of the Therapy Dog Foundations class and a final evaluation.

The prerequisite for Therapy Dog Foundations is the Beginnings Test Out. Prospective teams can prepare by taking the 4-week Beginnings class (which includes the Test Out) and attending Skill Builder drop-in classes as needed, or they may register directly for a Test Out date. Required medical records for class participation: Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP.

Learn more about all HABIC classes and the Test Out on the Dog Training page of our site.

All HABIC animals must have a current physical exam, fecal test, and updated vaccinations each year. The medical form’s expiration date is based on the date of your animal’s most recent annual physical exam. The HABIC medical form is directly tied to liability protection for you as a volunteer, your animal, and the clients you visit.

All prospective volunteer teams must successfully complete a final evaluation at the end of the HABIC Therapy Dog Foundations class. Everything that you practiced during classes will be evaluated in this final exam.

Some specialized placements—such as weekly school or healthcare visits—require additional training. These classes provide active HABIC volunteers with specialized training required for weekly healthcare or school placements.

Learn more about all HABIC classes on the Dog Training page of our site.

HABIC offers additional opportunities to engage and soothe working therapy dogs, including new scent work classes. Learn more about all HABIC classes on the Dog Training page of our site.

Re-evaluation appointments allow active HABIC dog teams to maintain certification and have continued success in the areas of behavior, temperament, and skills. It also helps maintain the safety and effectiveness of therapy dog interactions. Finally, we love to re-connect with our teams and see how they’re doing!

Dogs must be at least six months old to join HABIC basic obedience classes. Dogs must be at least 18 months old to become a HABIC-certified therapy dog team.

Dogs may begin the Beginnings class as early as six months old. This allows handlers to build a solid foundation of skills and confidence before pursuing therapy work. However, dogs must be at least 16 months old to take the Beginnings Test Out and enroll in HABIC Therapy Dog Foundations.

With a natural age gap before the Beginnings Test Out, this class meets teams wherever they are. Some join for basic obedience, others continue as their dog matures (with a re-enrollment discount!), and others start early and come back once their dog is old enough for the Test Out.

Definitely not. We welcome breeds of all shapes and sizes. The most important thing your dog needs is to love the work and be safe to use in volunteer settings.

Yes! HABIC certifies therapy cat teams. Our cat teams bring a unique and calming presence to HABIC sessions. Required medical records for class participation include proof of rabies and FCRVP vaccines.

Cats chosen for therapy roles should have a stable temperament, be comfortable with various people and environments, and be well-socialized. Here are some questions to consider:

• Is my cat over 18 months old?
• Does my cat LOVE people?
• Is my cat gregarious and outgoing, even in new environments?
• Is my cat healthy?
• Is my cat litter-box trained?
• Is my cat comfortable on car rides?
• Is my cat comfortable wearing a harness and leash?
• Do I have a secure way of transporting my cat, for example in a cat carrier, cat backpack, or cat stroller?
• Would my cat be comfortable being groomed before every visit? Including nail trims?
• Am I available to volunteer in the Northern Colorado area with my cat?

There is a fee for HABIC training classes. For class prices, visit the HABIC Store. Scholarships are available. For active volunteers, there are also veterinary medical requirements, such as a physical exam, fecal test, and current vaccines, which create additional costs. There can also be increased grooming and nail trimming expectations. There is no cost to serve as a human-only volunteer.

You and your animal will be matched in a placement upon completion of your certification. You will meet the contact person, tour the facility, and find out how HABIC teams interact with that facility’s population. You will also have the opportunity to observe an experienced HABIC team during a scheduled visit in your designated placement.

Additional training will be required for specialized placements such as weekly volunteering in school and healthcare settings.

For dogs, required medical records for class participation include proof of the following vaccines: Rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP.