Animals helping people through
Animal Assisted Therapy
Volunteer With Us!!!
How do I get my animal certified?
The Chimo Project certifies dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and mini-horses as therapy animals to volunteer at our affiliated facilities.
In order to be certified, all animals must pass the same requirements:
1. Pass an obedience test
2. Pass a temperament test
3. Complete a health check
Animal handlers must also attend an orientation to learn how to handle their animal in therapy sessions.
If you are interested in having your animal certified, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Elements of the Obedience Test
1. Accepting a friendly stranger - dog or cat allows a stranger to approach and speak to the handler2. Accepting petting - evaluator pets the dog or cat
3. Accept examination - evaluator will look in eyes, ears, at the teeth and pick up each front foot.
4. Out for a walk - Dogs preform a short heeling pattern, cats walk as they would on a visit*
5. A dog sits demonstrates that it can sit and lay down on command
6. A dog sits (15 sec) and lays down (30 sec) and stays in place
7. A dog comes when it is called
8. Praise and interaction - handler plays with the dog, then settles the dog
9. Reaction to distraction - the animal is confident when faced with distractions
10. Relationship - the evaluator looks for a strong bond between the animal and handler.
* Small and large animals only preform tasks 1-4 & 9, 10 and may be on the ground or in a basket. Cats, birds, rabbits and horses must be on a leash during the test.
Elements of the Temperament Test
- Handled by a stranger
- Exuberant or clumsy petting
- Reaction to movement
- Restraining hug
- Staggering/ Gesturing individual
- Yelling
- Pain response
- Direct stare, blow in the face
- Bumped from behind
- Crowded and petted by several people
- Sit with stranger
- Take a treat
- Free play
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What kinds of animals do you certify?
To date, we certify dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and mini-horses.
2) What do I need to do to become certified?
First, you must book your animal into one of our obedience tests. Once your animal is successfuly though this phase, they are on to the second phase: the temperament test. The purpose of this test is to ensure that your animal will enjoy work as an AAT animal. Third, your animal must have a vet check to ensure that they are healthy and free from contagious illnesses. Finally, both of you must attend an orientation where you will learn all about Animal Assisted Therapy and what will be expected of you in your placement.
3) But my animal does not have a 'sit and cuddle' kind of personality. Can they still be a therapy animal?
YES! Many of our volunteer dogs play agility, frisbee and fetch during their animal assisted therapy sessions. Other species of active animals can also be great additions to clients who may be reluctant to get out of bed or need motivation to move. Sometimes, there is nothing better than an energetic companion!
4) Do I have to leave my animal in someone else's care?
No! You will be with your animal at all times when you are volunteering.
5) What kind of a time committment is required?
Some of our volunteers come out as little as twice a month and some come out as much as twice a week. It all depends on your schedule. We also have placements for animals during the day, evenings and weekends.
