Our Therapy Dog Training and Certification Program Offers:
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We offer therapy dog certification that is recognized by several local facilities.
In order to earn your initial certification the following are required:
A “passed” temperament test
All required wellness paperwork
Proof of vaccines, negative fecal float test, signed wellness exam form and feeding agreement
Completion of Health Care Distractions Class
Passing of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine exam.
All certified teams will receive a custom made therapy dog vest with their dog’s name on it.
Re-certification will be required every 12 months.
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There are 2 program options for dogs of varying training levels.
Individual Training Program
(teaching excellent manners and all certification exam items)
Client Education (1 week)
Canine Good Citizen class (4 weeks)
Community Canine class (4 weeks)
Examination (1 week)
Group Training Program
Service / Therapy Dog Foundations (10 week course including 2 AKC evaluations and a week dedicated to handler education)
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We are an AKC recognized therapy dog organization. This means all visits your dog completes once certified though Infinite Possibilities count towards AKC Therapy Dog titles.
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We cover everything beginning to end! Other organizations provide either training OR certification - but not both. We cover all aspects from training, certification, and volunteer event coordination!
(Please note that most volunteer opportunities will take place in the Milwaukee area. If you reside outside the area our team will try our best to find opportunities for you near your home)
Infinite Possibilities Animals Inc. is proud to coordinate all of our volunteer placements and events. Certified teams will be added to our members-only Facebook and email groups and will be sent volunteer opportunities monthly.
A therapy dog vest custom-made to the dog's size. The handler can choose the accent color and the vest will be embroidered with the dog's name.
Custom-made stickers featuring your dog to hand out at therapy dog visits.
In order to enroll in our program, please fill out the contact form below. Our trainer will follow up with you to schedule a virtual dog evaluation.
Without the essential traits, a dog may experience significant stress in therapy settings. Therefore, we cannot accept dogs into our training program who do not pass a dog evaluation.
Trainings will take place in Richfield, WI
Getting Started
Requirements
The following requirements must be met in order to become a certified therapy dog team.
If this seems like alot, don’t worry! We’re here to help you through each step!
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Our therapy dog exam consists of the AKC’s CGC and community canine exams. This exam can be taken after completing our training program or on its own if your dog already possesses the skills. To view the exam items, click the button below.
A recertification exam will be administered each year to make sure that the team retains their skills.
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To be certified, your veterinarian must provide us with a clean bill of health and your dog’s latest vaccination records. We require the Rabies vaccine in accordance with local laws.
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We require all handlers to sign a feeding agreement stating that they will not feed their dogs foods that may contain possible pathogens (example raw, unpasteurized diets). This is vital to ensuring that the often medically compromised residents that we visit remain healthy.
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Your dog must be licensed in your municipality.
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Some (but not all) facilities may require that you hold liability insurance in order to visit with your dog. Obtaining and renewing the policy, should you choose to visit a facility that requires it, is the responsibility of the dog owner/handler.
* Needs-based financial assistance is available by application for dog licenses and liability insurance.
Pricing
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Group Classes
Group classes are run based on interest and availability.
Service / Therapy Dog Foundations (10 week course including 2 AKC evaluations and a week dedicated to handler education) - $385.00
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Private Lessons
Monthly Training Fees
Clients will be billed on a monthly basis. Monthly fees include 3 monthly lessons. Also included is access to the online client portal where tutorials, lesson recaps and other resources will be posted. Depending on the dog’s prior training, the program can take as little as 1 month or as long as 5-6 months.
Monthly Fee: $300.00 per month
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Certification Exam
Exam Fees
Dogs that already have the skills to earn the CGC and community canine titles are welcome to take the exam without participating in our training program. We offer exams in person and virtually.
Exam Only - $100.00
Recertification Fees
Recertification must take place every 12 months - $85.00
Recertification will include a shortened exam to make sure the dog's skills have been retained.
Disclaimer: If a dog is deemed unsuitable for a certain class or service, the value of any unused package portion or class fee can be applied toward other pet training services. We cannot accommodate refunds. Class fees will be prorated in the event of dismissal.