Volunteer with Your Pet


Thank you for your interest in Creature Comfort Pet Therapy. We have an amazing group of volunteer members and would love to have you join us! Please review all the information below prior to applying to test with Creature Comfort.

What is a therapy pet?
Therapy pets volunteer with their owner to provide healing comfort to people in various places. Unlike service animals, therapy pets are only allowed entry into sites that have arrangements with the therapy organization.


What are the requirements to join?
Most visits are during the weekday hours of 9 am - 5 pm. Evening and weekend visits are less frequent.
Please consider if you have time to perform therapy visits.

PET REQUIREMENTS
  • Calm and under full control of the handler.
  • Willingly approaches strangers for petting.
  • Enjoys all types of people, including children.
  • At least 1 year old.
  • Has been with the owner for at least 6 months.
  • Confident in unfamiliar situations/environments.
  • Neutral with other animals. Can ignore other dogs on leash in close proximity.
 HANDLER REQUIREMENTS
  • Available to do regular visits (we ask our teams to average one visit per month).
  • 18 yrs old (14 yrs - 17 yrs are allowed to test, however, they must perform visits with an adult member).

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Proof of current Rabies and Distemper vaccines (titer accepted, directions in application)
  • Current Town License (directions in application)

TESTING REQUIREMENTS

The therapy animal test is about 30 minutes long. Click on the links below to view the therapy tests. 

Pet Therapy Test For Dogs:  Click here

Pet Therapy Test for Other Animals (rabbits, cats, etc):  Click here


Need More Training? Please reach out to our partner training facilities for guidance. You can find a list here.

Have Questions? Contact Karen Clark (kclark@ccpettherapy.org) for any questions regarding the application or testing process.

Click here to start filling out the application!


I am ready, how do I start the process?

Below are some details on our membership process. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.


UPCOMING TESTS - Your test date will be determined during the Intake Call
April 6th - Morristown, NJ
May 19th - Morristown, NJ

June 2nd - Morristown, NJ

Future dates to be determined. Tests are held every 3-4 weeks.

MEMBERSHIP PROCESS


STEP 1: Application & Records
Prior to testing, applicants must present the following:
  • Completed application (one per handler)
  • Proof of current Rabies and Distemper vaccines (titers accepted)
  • Current Town License
  • Application fee (see fee schedule below)

 
STEP 2: Intake Call
This is an opportunity for you to ask questions regarding our test or organization and for the Creature Comfort staff to get to know you a bit. We will review your goals for pet therapy and your availability so we can ensure we have visits to fit your desires, schedule and location. Your test time will be confirmed on this call. 
 
STEP 3: Pet Therapy Test
The pet therapy test is a combination of obedience and pet temperament. If you wish to visit with two or more dogs, you must pass the test with each dog separately. If more than one person in the family wishes to do visits, they must each pass the test with the animal. 
 
STEP 4: Orientation
This online live Orientation will cover visiting techniques, safe handling practices and a review of our policies. This is also a fantastic time for you to ask any questions you may have regarding visits. 
 
STEP 5: Training Visit
On your first therapy visit, you will be accompanied by an experienced therapy team who will help you along. Our staff will continue to provide ongoing guidance during your first months of visitation. 
 
STEP 6: Scheduling Call
We know scheduling your first few visits can be overwhelming. Our Scheduling Coordinator will assist you in using our dynamic online calendar and getting started on visits.


APPLICATION FEE - $100.00 ($60 Testing / Onboarding and $40 Membership Dues)


Testing & Onboarding fee includes:
Annual membership dues includes:
  • Intake Call
  • Test preparation video
  • Pet therapy test
  • Orientation
  • Guidance on first therapy visit
  • Member team materials (CCPT shirt, ID badge, CCPT leash cover)
  • Membership Manual 
  • Certificate suitable for framing
                    
  • Insurance coverage at CCPT approved facilities
  • Calendar of scheduled therapy visits
  • Visit scheduling support
  • Ongoing guidance and support
  • Member resource center
  • Social & educational gatherings for volunteers
  • Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic 
  • In addition the required reassessment every other year is included in that year‘s annual dues.  


TEST RESCHEDULING FEE - $50.00

There is a $50 fee for rescheduling within two weeks of your scheduled test date.

REFUND POLICY
You will receive a full refund if you cancel more than two weeks before your scheduled pet therapy test date. No refunds will be given for cancelations within two weeks of your scheduled test.
If you do not pass your pet therapy test, you may receive a $25 refund or apply it towards a retest.








OUR AREA: 
Creature Comfort Pet Therapy performs visits within the area indicated on this 
map