Is volunteering as a therapy team with Human-Animal Bond in Colorado right for you?
At HABIC, our volunteers receive training, support, and opportunities for continuing education. We empower every team to confidently advocate for their animal at all times.
Each prospective volunteer team completes a thorough training process to ensure they are well-prepared to work safely and effectively with vulnerable individuals. After training, teams are placed with one of HABIC’s partner agencies in Northern Colorado. Once matched with a volunteer assignment, teams are asked to commit to at least one year of service. To maintain HABIC certification, animal teams complete a re-evaluation every two years.
Therapy Dog Training
** NOTE: Our dog training program is undergoing some changes to better serve our volunteers and local community! We will be launching new classes soon. Please visit our Applications page and create a profile to be notified when classes become available.**
Therapy Cat Training
Cats can make excellent therapy animals, providing comfort and support in various settings. HABIC’s Therapy Cat Class includes three 45-minute one-on-one sessions, during which we assess your cat’s behavior in a new environment, conduct a temperament test, teach cat body language and handling skills, and review key concepts. Enrollment is ongoing. Get started on our Applications page.
Questions? Contact HABIC Lead Animal Trainer Kate Miller.
Steps to becoming a therapy dog team
Assess your dog's suitability for therapy work
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.
Learn more about HABIC
Watch the information video on our Applications page. You will learn more about us, understand what our teams do, find out where our teams volunteer, and get your questions answered!
Complete HABIC therapy dog training
We are currently updating our training program. Please create a profile by completing an application on our Applications page to be notified when classes are available.
Pass the final evaluation for new HABIC teams
All HABIC volunteer teams must successfully complete a final evaluation at the end of their training classes. Everything that you practiced during classes will be evaluated in this final exam.
Re-evaluate every two years to maintain HABIC certification
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my dog have to be to join HABIC?
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.
Does my dog have to be a certain breed?
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.
Can my cat be in HABIC?
Yes! HABIC certifies therapy cat teams. Our cat teams bring a unique and calming presence to HABIC sessions.
What makes a good therapy cat?
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?
Is there a cost associated with being a HABIC team?
For new HABIC dog and cat teams, there is a fee for the therapy animal training classes. Scholarships are available. 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.
Where will I 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.
