Become a Therapy Team

	Mid South Therapy Dogs & Friends strongly believes that there are no shortcuts to any place worth going. We pride ourselves on placing our handlers and animals in successful facility settings. Animal-Assisted Interactions is a very serious business which requires knowledge and skill to ensure it is done not only humanely and safely but also effectively. This requires thorough training and rigorous screening of both the handler and the animal. We will provide you with the necessary expertise and on-going support but this will demand an investment of your time and will also require expenses on your behalf. In doing so we will ALL have a commitment to learning and will share the dedication to excellence in our organization. This is all about working together as a TEAM. "Can your animal be a therapy animal? Answer these questions to know if you have what it takes? Expected Behavior Checklist Read more about the Evaluation process

Mid South Therapy Dogs & Friends strongly believes that there are no shortcuts to any place worth going. We pride ourselves on placing our handlers and animals in successful facility settings. Animal-Assisted Interactions is a very serious business which requires knowledge and skill to ensure it is done not only humanely and safely but also effectively. This requires thorough training and rigorous screening of both the handler and the animal. We will provide you with the necessary expertise and on-going support but this will demand an investment of your time and will also require expenses on your behalf. In doing so we will ALL have a commitment to learning and will share the dedication to excellence in our organization.

This is all about working together as a TEAM. "Can your animal be a therapy animal? Answer these questions to know if you have what it takes?

Become a therapy team

Step 1: Complete Introductory Seminar & Handler Training Workshop
This ensures you have the knowledge required to be successful at providing Animal-Assisted-Interactions services.
Successful completion of the seminar and workshop are required before proceeding to Step 3, the team evaluation.

Step 2: Complete Animal Health Screening
This helps ensure your animal is healthy enough to participate in Animal-Assisted-Interactions.

Step 3: Pass the Team Evaluation
The evaluation ensures you and your animal have the necessary skill and aptitude to work as a team in providing
Animal-Assisted-Interactions.

Step 4: Complete Your Registration
This ensures you and your animal are officially authorized to perform Animal-Assisted-Interactions and are provided
all the benefits that come with this responsibility.

Step 5: Complete Shadow Visits
After you pass the evaluation you will shadow with an experienced team before you conduct visits on you own. (Requirement for New Teams joining MSTD)

Step 6: You're Ready!
Congratulations you are ready to start a remarkable journey with your animal!

Upcoming Training Courses and Evaluations
Schedule of upcoming training courses and team evaluations.

Costs Associated with Becoming a Mid South Therapy Dog Team

Mid South Therapy Dogs & Friends Membership Requirements

IMPORTANT DELTA SOCIETY POLICY CHANGE: Raw Protein Diet Policy
Issued 5.19.2010
After careful consideration of all of the known scientific facts, and on the unanimous advice of the Delta Society Medical Advisory Board, made up of internal medicine and public health experts from North America, the board of directors voted to preclude animals eating raw protein foods from participating in Delta Society Pet Partners program. This will be a phased program, with complete compliance structured to be in place by June 30, 2010.

Become a Therapy Team

Become a therapy team