Thank you for your interest in Creature Comfort Pet Therapy. We have an amazing group of volunteers and would love to have you join our family! Below are some details on our certification process. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
OUR SERVICE AREA
Creature Comfort Pet Therapy teams visit within the service area indicated on this map, and we are forever adding new visits!
PET REQUIREMENTS
- Calm and friendly
- At least one year old
- Has been with the owner for at least 6 months
- Confident in unfamiliar situations
- Consistent
- Neutral with other animals
HANDLER REQUIREMENTS
- 18 years old (12yrs – 17yrs are allowed to test, however, they must perform visits with a certified adult handler).
- Available to do regular visits (we ask our teams to average one visit a month).
CERTIFICATION PROCESS
STEP 1: Application and Records
- Prior to testing, applicants must present the following:
- Completed application (one per handler, link provided at bottom)
- Proof of current Rabies and Distemper vaccines (titer accepted, directions in application)
- Current Town License (directions in application)
- Application fee (see fee schedule below)
STEP 2: Phone Intake Interview
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.
STEP 3: Evaluation Test
The pet therapy evaluation is a combination test of obedience and pet temperament. Each evaluation is generally 20-30 minutes and certifies the handler with that specific pet. If you wish to visit with two or more dogs, you must pass the evaluation with each dog separately. If more than one person in the family wishes to do visits, they must each pass the evaluation with the animal. Certification is valid for two years.
Evaluation Test Overview
- Loose leash walking
- Staying in position when approached by a friendly stranger
- Accepting handling by evaluator (brushing, touching all over, inspection of teeth/ears/eyes, restrained hug for 10 seconds)
- Performing basic obedience commands (Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Leave it)
- Simulating a visit with a person in a wheelchair/using a walker
- Acting appropriately when approaching a handler with a neutral dog
- Visiting while a neutral dog is in the room
- Walking through a noisy crowd
- Accepting group petting
- Taking a treat gently
STEP 4: Orientation
This 2 hour long in-person training session will cover some uncommon situations that may occur, review our policies, and answer any questions you may have.
STEP 5: Mentor Visit
Before you head out on your own, on your first visit, you will be accompanied by an experienced therapy team.
FEES
The fee for certification includes the evaluation test, access to our training information (test preparation and orientation), a mentor visit, t-shirt, Creature Comfort ID badge, certificate, 2-yr membership with CCPT and insurance coverage at CCPT approved facilities.
New Team $100.00
Additional Family member with the same pet +$50.00
Additional pet +$25.00
Re-certification (every 2 years) $25.00
Re-test $25.00
REFUND POLICY
You will receive a full refund if you cancel more than one week before your scheduled evaluation date. No refunds will be given for cancellations within one week of your scheduled evaluation.
If you do not pass your evaluation and are invited to retest, you will be given the choice of retesting at a later date or receive a $25 refund.
Start Filling Out the Application!
Upcoming Evaluations and Orientations
Oct. 28 at Pawsitive, Rockaway
Nov. 18 at Atlantic Rehab. Institute, Morristown
Learn more about how to become a therapy team and fill out an application.
YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER
