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Animal Assisted Therapy Classes
Looking To Get Involved In Animal-Assisted Therapy?
You might find it useful to have a first-hand account before you decide to enroll your pet in classes. Check out the transcript of the online chat we held with Greer Griffith, ASPCA Manager of Animal Assisted Therapy.
Since 2000, the ASPCA has been the East Coast Affiliate of Delta Society, a national organization that aims to improve human health through the assistance of service and therapy animals. The ASPCA helps to carry out Delta Society’s mission by providing a full-service program to the public in which individuals can register their dogs and cats as therapy animals who visit hospitals, nursing homes, classrooms, libraries and other facilities.
In addition to offering pre-therapy training classes that prepare humans and their companion animals for Delta Society evaluation, the ASPCA offers one-day workshops and continuing education classes for volunteers who are already registered with Delta Society, and for those who may not need additional training.
Once registered with Delta Society, the ASPCA’s Pet Partner teams are assisted with placement in facilities throughout New York City based on where they live, their interests, and the appropriate environment for both handler and animal. The ASPCA also provides supervision for teams who are just beginning to get their “paws wet” and would like assistance during their first visits. A member of the animal-assisted therapy program or an experienced volunteer will continue to accompany new teams on visits until they have comfortably settled in.
In addition to enriching lives and improving human health, the animal-assisted therapy program at the ASPCA brings about greater community acceptance of dogs. Canines are seen as taking part in the healing processes of human beings in a variety of different situations, and facilities such as oncology units in hospitals and women's shelters, which would never have allowed dogs to enter before, are now admitting them in to serve humans in need of assistance.
Upcoming Classes:
“Go Say Hi” - Teaching You and Your Dog to Help Others
This fun seven week class will help prepare you and your dog for the Delta Society Evaluation.
Components of the evaluation will be covered during each class with an emphasis on the importance of teamwork when visiting.
The strengths and preferences of you and your dog will be identified and assessed so that we may offer recommendations for placement in facilities that best ensure safe, enjoyable and successful animal assisted therapy experiences.
Prerequisite: Dogs must have knowledge of basic skills.
Fee: $290.00 including the Delta Society Team Training Manual and evaluation
Date: Saturdays, February 20, 2010 through March 27, 2010. Evaluations held on April 3.
Time: 9 A.M. - 10 A.M.
Location: ASPCA Headquarters at 424 E 92nd St. (bet. 1st Ave. and York Ave.), 2nd Floor Training Center
Register Now!
Fee: $290.00 including the Delta Society Team Training Manual and evaluation
Date: Saturdays, February 20, 2010 through March 27, 2010. Evaluations held on April 3.
Time: 10:15 A.M. - 11:15 A.M.
Location: ASPCA Headquarters at 424 E 92nd St. (bet. 1st Ave. and York Ave.), 2nd Floor Training Center
Register Now!
Please Note: These classes are open to friendly dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs and people.
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