Pet Therapy Certification Course
Domesti-PUPS pet therapy teams are the ‘Gold Standard’ in the pet therapy industry. Our teams are among a select few with the temperament, skill, and desire to excel in pet therapy interactions with children, adults, the disabled, and senior populations. The standards we require are higher than most pet therapy organizations to ensure excellence and maintain our positive reputation in the communities we serve.
The Domesti-PUPS pet therapy training course (Petting-PUPS) will prepare you and your dog as a working pet therapy team. All Domesti-PUPS pet therapy programs begin with this core training; other therapy activities and programs may require additional inservice training (Edu-PUPS, Reading-PUPS, Praising-PUPS). The Petting-PUPS pet therapy certification course includes insightful tips on getting your dog to react appropriately in unknown situations.
Classes will be held once a week for eight sessions, plus testing and three months on-the-job training (minimum of two visitations per month). Testing includes the AKC Community Canine test along with additional Domesti-PUPS testing items. Once these criteria are met, the team is certified by Domesti-PUPS at a formal graduation ceremony. Teams will commit to continuing two visits per month to remain active in the program.
NOTE: Since the prerequisite for the class is the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, your dog should be able to follow verbal (or hand) commands without the use of treats and should be managed on a regular collar (no pinch collars, head collars or restrictive harnesses), and be manageable around other dogs. If your dog does not fit these criteria, please seek further training before attending this pet therapy course. The cost for the certification course is *$225 plus Lincoln tax 7.25% = $214.50. Certification is valid for two years. The prerequisite for this class is the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test. Dogs must be a year of age by the testing date. Complete the registration form (payment link provided upon completion) and bring the following information to the orientation.
● Copy of AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Form
● Current vaccination records (Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Bordatella)
● Photocopy of your driver’s license
NOTE: The first class/orientation is a humans-only event. Dogs should not be in attendance. Classes are held in Lincoln only.
*Class Fee Schedule:
● One dog/one handler $225 (+tax)
● One dog/two handlers (same household) $325 (+tax)
● Current DP Volunteer/second dog $100 (+tax)
Refund Schedule:
● Through 3rd Class 100%
● Through 4th Class 50%
● After 4th Class — N/A
Additional Note: Should the instructor decide, for any reason, that the dog/handler is not yet ready or suitable for the class, they may release the team at their discretion. [Examples: shy dogs, reactive dogs, improper handler behavior, etc.]
To begin, click the button below to complete the registration form.
The Domesti-PUPS pet therapy training course (Petting-PUPS) will prepare you and your dog as a working pet therapy team. All Domesti-PUPS pet therapy programs begin with this core training; other therapy activities and programs may require additional inservice training (Edu-PUPS, Reading-PUPS, Praising-PUPS). The Petting-PUPS pet therapy certification course includes insightful tips on getting your dog to react appropriately in unknown situations.
Classes will be held once a week for eight sessions, plus testing and three months on-the-job training (minimum of two visitations per month). Testing includes the AKC Community Canine test along with additional Domesti-PUPS testing items. Once these criteria are met, the team is certified by Domesti-PUPS at a formal graduation ceremony. Teams will commit to continuing two visits per month to remain active in the program.
NOTE: Since the prerequisite for the class is the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, your dog should be able to follow verbal (or hand) commands without the use of treats and should be managed on a regular collar (no pinch collars, head collars or restrictive harnesses), and be manageable around other dogs. If your dog does not fit these criteria, please seek further training before attending this pet therapy course. The cost for the certification course is *$225 plus Lincoln tax 7.25% = $214.50. Certification is valid for two years. The prerequisite for this class is the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test. Dogs must be a year of age by the testing date. Complete the registration form (payment link provided upon completion) and bring the following information to the orientation.
● Copy of AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Form
● Current vaccination records (Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Bordatella)
● Photocopy of your driver’s license
NOTE: The first class/orientation is a humans-only event. Dogs should not be in attendance. Classes are held in Lincoln only.
*Class Fee Schedule:
● One dog/one handler $225 (+tax)
● One dog/two handlers (same household) $325 (+tax)
● Current DP Volunteer/second dog $100 (+tax)
Refund Schedule:
● Through 3rd Class 100%
● Through 4th Class 50%
● After 4th Class — N/A
Additional Note: Should the instructor decide, for any reason, that the dog/handler is not yet ready or suitable for the class, they may release the team at their discretion. [Examples: shy dogs, reactive dogs, improper handler behavior, etc.]
To begin, click the button below to complete the registration form.