Share-A-Pet is delighted that you are interested in joining our organization! There are several ways you can get involved – either as a Pet Therapy Team, Support Volunteer or Donor. Below is an overview of each opportunity available.
Pet Therapy Program Opportunities
Members in the Pet Therapy Program enjoy the pleasure of sharing the love of their pets with those in need either through Pet-Assisted Therapy (PAT) visits to those confined to hospitals, nursing homes and/or children’s centers or by participating in Share-A-Pet’s Pawsitive Reading, where dog/handler teams assist children in schools who are struggling with developing their reading skills. Members must be T.O.P. Certified and dogs should be current on their vaccinations, spayed/neutered and at least one year old.
One of the steps to becoming a Pet Therapy team is to pass the Therapy Obedience Professional (T.O.P.) test. Share-A-Pet has designed the T.O.P. test specifially to certify pets and their handlers to perform Pet-Assisted Therapy. Most dog/handler teams will need basic training and then an intermediate training course, such as Canine Good Citizen, to learn and practice the exercises necessary to pass the TOP test.
For more information about becoming a Certified Pet Therapy team, click here.
Support Volunteers
As the heart and soul of Share-A-Pet, dedicated volunteers manage and coordinate the local fundraising events, raise awareness and energize new members! Whether it’s selling tickets, gathering donations, securing sponsorships, contacting facilities or putting together Yappy Hours, Share-A-Pet volunteers help generate funds and memberships, the lifeblood of our mission.
Supporting Members either:
- have a dog going through the Pet Program and is in process of becoming a Certified TOP Team, or
- have a puppy and want to get involved before the puppy is old enough to take the TOP test, or
- have a pet who is not suited for pet-assisted therapy, or
- don’t have a dog, but love people and pets and want to make a difference in people’s lives
Donors
Share-A-Pet depends upon the generous financial support of its members and donors … people just like you who want to make a positive impact on those in need.
To make a tax-deductible contribution, simply click here or on the “Donate” button. You’ll be able to select an amount, if you’d like to make the donation ongoing and if you’d like to dedicate your donation in honor of someone.
Please note: Your contribution is not a membership renewal. If you wish to renew your membership, please visit the Renew page.
