How to get started:

Teams begin the process of becoming a pet therapy team by seeking information from local training facilities, veteran teams & researching national organizations on the internet. Prior to volunteering as a therapy team, all must be evaluated & certified with a national pet therapy organization that provides liability insurance, like Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Bright&Beautiful Therapy Dogs, & Love On A Leash to name a few.
     
​TRAINING TO CAREER CHANGE
                 TO THERAPY       Ali & Gus​
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 As the group is informally organized, there is no application process & participation is through the group database & personal contacts. New & experienced teams can connect with affiliated pet therapy teams during scheduled visits or by participating in a community event. Evaluation for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification or pet therapy at a local dog training facility like Truckee Meadows Dog Training Club can also introduce potential participants.  Membership in a local group like Paws4Love & Paws4Passengers, while helpful, is not required to join RESPET.  Requests for therapy are as unique as the teams, so there can be a fit for everyone.  Identifying who to serve is as important as any test.
       RESCUE 
              TO TRAINING 
                      TO THERAPY!
                              Sue & Ernie

  Ready!  Hershey & Domino
         "Put us in, Coach!"