The mission of the Monroe County Humane Association Therapy Animal Program is to make a positive impact on community members by enhancing mental, physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being through animal-assisted activities.
Program Overview
Volunteering for animal-assisted activities offers an enriching and fulfilling experience. While not serving as volunteers, these animals enjoy their roles as beloved personal pets of their handlers, creating a unique bond that enhances the impact of their volunteer work.
What do Therapy Animal Teams do?
Registered teams can be found throughout the community visiting nursing homes, health care facilities, senior living residences, libraries, schools, camps, and events.
How do I schedule a visit from a Therapy Animal Team?
As we are growing our program we are currently not accepting requests for new sites.
Meet our Therapy Animal Teams
Siobhán & Grace
Siobhán and Grace, a Pug, joined the Therapy Animal Program in March, 2020. Grace loves her work in the Bloomington community and is always ready to make new friends. When she’s not working Grace loves walks, kayaking, camping and meet-ups with her dog pals!
Grace & yorick
Grace & Yorick officially joined the Therapy Animal Program in October 2019. Yorick, a rescue kitty, is an adventuresome beast who loves head scratches, walks, and making new friends.
emily & amina
Emily & Amina, a Carolina Dog, joined the Therapy Animal Program in October 2019. Amina loves spending time with young children. Emily is a family therapist, so Amina provides therapeutic support to families and staff at Emily’s workplace.
chris & ziva
Chris & Ziva are best friends! Chris has owned 6 white German Shepherds throughout his life. Ziva earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen diploma at one and a half years old. Since then, the duo has continued to train together.
kayla & ollie
Kayla & Ollie joined the Therapy Animal Program in June of 2021. Ollie loves hiking, swimming, and going on adventures. He is a playful pup that will try to make friends with any new dog or human he meets!
Susie & Mason
Susie and Mason, a miniature Bernadoodle, joined the Therapy Animal Program in August 2021. Mason loves playing with other dogs and being petted by his human friends! Together, they look forward to bringing smiles and joy to the groups they visit.
Who can participate in the Therapy Animal Program?
Handlers must be 18+ years old, possess a valid driver’s license, demonstrate proof of responsible pet ownership through providing proper veterinary care and grooming, have a professional appearance, and remain knowledgable of team expectations.
Dogs and cats must be 1+ years old, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and free of infection.
Dogs and cats must meet a variety of behavior requirements.
Find more information on program requirements here.
Program Benefits
During volunteer visits, you’ll benefit from insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for you and your animal. You’ll also gain access to an exclusive Facebook group, a vibrant community space for sharing information, events, tips, and demonstrations. Each volunteer receives a personalized name tag, and your animal will be outfitted with a therapy vest, symbolizing your commitment and role.
Experience the camaraderie of joining forces with like-minded teams, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Your contributions will be met with heartfelt gratitude from the community, and you’ll find deep personal fulfillment in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
How can I become a Therapy Animal Team?
Follow these steps!
Step #1: Determine if your pet meets the behavior requirements
Step #2: Complete this questionnaire to see if your pet is a good fit
Step #3: Complete Team Evaluation
Step #4: Complete Team Registration (Pay Registration/Renewal Fee and Sign Volunteer Agreement)
Step #5: Complete Handler Training
(A background check will be performed for all new registrations and renewals)
Questions? Interested in the Therapy Animal Program but not sure if it’s for you and your pet? Email us!
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 1334
Bloomington, IN 47402
ANIMAL CARE CAMPUS
791 S Fieldstone Blvd
Bloomington, IN 47403
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
FOLLOW US
Monroe County Humane Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on donations, sponsorships, and grants to fund all of our programs and services. EIN: 35-6064277
Monroe County Humane Association proudly collaborates, but is distinct from, the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter. For services such as adoption, lost/found pets, shelter hours, and animal control, feel free to reach out to our friends at the City of Bloomington Animal Care & Control at 812-349-3492. Together, we're caring for our community's animals.