FAQs

Joining an established organization offers a volunteer guidance, support safety and camaraderie. A lone volunteer with pet, wishing to engage in animal assisted therapy, would have a difficult time trying to gain entry into almost any facility that we serve. The Caring Critters AAT (animal assisted therapy) Program is generally recognized as fitting a facility’s guidelines for legal and medical purposes thus we are able to “contract” with them for regular visits.

A volunteer is expected to commit to two (2) hours a month for at least six (6) months. With few exceptions, visits are semi-monthly and last one (1) hour.

All pets of new volunteers must be at least six months old.

There is a one-time $75.00 fee. This covers your workshop, official Caring Critters t-shirt and regulation double handled leash. There are no annual dues.

No. Every member must attend a complete workshop and temperament test.

To familiarize the new volunteer with all facets of our program and to assist them in deciding where they would like to visit.

The majority of pet applicants are entirely suited for therapy work. The few who need help in correcting shortcomings are given suggestions and encouragement by our animal trainers and the opportunity to retest in six (6) months.

No. The limit is one pet per testing session. Members are given the opportunity of enrolling others at future testing sessions but you may have no more than two (2) active therapy pets at a time.

No. Caring Critters does not accept reptiles due to the danger of transmitting salmonella.

It depends on the facility visited. Generally there are two types of regular visits:

Social: Primarily practiced at nursing home and psychiatric facilities. The purpose is to encourage socialization and conversation, stimulate intellect and memory, provide entertainment and fulfill tactile needs.

Therapeutic: Primarily practiced in rehabilitation programs to attain specific therapeutic goals, under close supervision of health professionals.

Yes. Insurance premiums are paid yearly by Caring Critters, Inc.

No. Visits are made as a team. Participants (pets and volunteers) must enter and exit their facility through the assigned entrance as a team.

No. Visitors must be at least 18 and may only visit with the advanced approval of the team leader and facility. Children under 18 may visit only at specially designated events.

Members are required to wear the official Caring Critters t-shirt on all visits. An official four (4) foot double-handled leash (distributed at the workshop) is required to be used for dogs or any other leashed pet. Carriers and cages are used as needed to affectively control other types of animals. Some facilities do have additional dress codes. Your team leader will advise you of any specific requirements.

No. Volunteers may not take photographs during the course of a visit.

All active volunteers receive our monthly newsletter, the Critter Chronicle. The newsletter provides news about our organization, members, pets, and facilities. Members also receive email alerts, may join our Facebook Fan Page, and may attend our quarterly meetings.