| The Four Steps to Becoming Share-A-Pet Program Certified Team | ||||||
| STEP 1 | STEP 2 | STEP 3 | STEP 4 | |||
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Attend an Orientation Meeting |
Prepare for and Take the TOP Test |
In Facility Training and Evaluations |
Certification | |||
| STEP 1 – Attend an Orientation Meeting Orientation Meetings are held regionally once a month at a local Facility. To find out when the next Orientation Meeting will be in your area, click here or call us at (954) 630-8763.Orientation Meetings last about 1 1/2 to 2 hours See below for the meeting details. Your dog is welcome to attend; however, they must be spayed/neutered, current on their rabies vaccinations and at least one year old. |
STEP 2 – Preparing for and Taking the TOP Test Share-A-Pet has designed the TOP test specifically to certify pets and their handlers as qualified to perform Pet-Assisted Therapy in hospitals, nursing homes, children’s centers and other designated institutions.Most dog/handler teams will need a basic training course and then an intermediate training course, such as Canine Good Citizen training to learn and practice the exercises necessary to pass the TOP test. The training period usually takes several months or more. Your dog should also be well socialized to strangers and other dogs, enjoy being handled and walk on a leash without pulling. Fearful or shy dogs may need extra work with a trainer to teach them to relax and allow themselves to be restrained and groomed. Not all dogs are suitable for therapy work; however, most people who put in the time and training necessary with their dogs, are able to pass the TOP test the first time. Share-A-Pet has partnered with experienced trainers in your area, who can help you with the training necessary to pass the TOP test. Our training partners use only positive training methods, which means they will treat your dog with the kindness and respect they deserve. You will learn how to communicate with and train your dog using force-free humane methods, and establish a bond that will last a lifetime. The TOP Test is only part of the certification process and should not be considered as an independent qualification to perform Pet-Assisted Therapy. TOP tests are performed by trained and registered TOP testers. |
| STEP 3 – In-Facility Training and Evaluations After the dog/handler teams have passed the TOP Test, the next step is to learn more about Pet-Assisted Therapy through hands on training by working with experienced Share-A-Pet Team Leaders and Members. New Team Members are generally very excited about getting started; however, they have some apprehension about what to do during their first few visits at a facility.In addition, the dogs need to ‘learn’ what their role is when doing pet-assisted therapy and it generally takes several visits before they understand what they are supposed to be doing.The steps below were designed to help new Team Members feel more comfortable when performing Pet-Assisted Therapy for the first time. It is important that these steps are taken in the correct order and are required to be completed before a Team can become certificated and visit facilities independently.
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| After successful completion of Steps 1-3, you and your dog will become a Share-A-Pet TOP Certified Pet-Assisted Therapy Team and members of the Pet Program. You will now be able to provide the unconditional love to those in need!
STEP 4 – Certification! |
Team Assignment: After you and your dog have passed the TOP test, you will be assigned to a Team Leader and Facility based on your location, preferences, facility needs and availability. You will also receive your graduation packet which includes your Share-A-Pet t-shirt, dog tag and Share-A-Pet photo badge.
