The mission of the Monroe County Humane Association Therapy Animal Program is to positively impact members of our community and improve mental, physical, emotional, and cognitive health through animal-assisted activities.
Due to limited staffing, the Monroe County Humane Association is not currently onboarding new Therapy Team members. All inquiries regarding Therapy Team certification will be answered at the time we resume the onboarding process.
Program Overview
Volunteering for animal assisted activities can be challenging but very rewarding work.
Dog or cat teams go through advanced-level obedience training, therapy animal training, and an evaluation. Animals are owned by their handlers and are personal pets while not volunteering.
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. Our program is also a proud partner with the IU Hospital Pet Therapy Program.
How do I schedule a visit from a Therapy Animal Team?
Download & complete this form, and email it to us!
Meet our Therapy Animal Teams
chika & rikki
Chika & Rikki joined the Therapy Animal Program in 2018. His favorite activity is swimming; he goes boating and kayaking during the summer and competes in dock diving! He also loves to play with toys, go on hikes, and learn new tricks.
Siobhan & grace
Siobhan & Grace, a Pug, joined the Therapy Animal Program in March 2020. Siobhan has a local photography business and takes Grace along, where she helps people who don’t like to be photographed with her funny face and gentle heart.
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.
lauren & parker
Lauren & Parker, an Australian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix, joined the Therapy Animal Program in 2018. Parker frequently visits Hopscotch Coffee & Switchyard Brewing Company. Parker is a gentle giant who thinks he’s a lap dog!
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.
aran & Hoosier
Aran & Hoosier, a Maltese Bichon mix, joined the Therapy Animal Program in 2011. Hoosier practiced therapy dog work in New York City and Cincinnati, and he now helps students relax by attending IU events and visiting sororities.
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.
patricia & daisy
Patricia & Daisy, a Poodle, joined the Therapy Animal Program in September 2019. Daisy loves people, especially children! She thoroughly enjoys going to schools. Daisy even practices her Spanish in the bilingual/immersion classes.
dede & penelope
Dede & Penelope, a Golden Retriever, joined the Therapy Animal Program in October 2018. Penelope brings canned goods to the pantry, carries shoes to her humans when she wants to go outside, and fetches tools to assist with repairs.
carmela & mister
Carmela & Mister, a miniature poodle, joined the MCHA Therapy Animal Program in 2021. Mister loves to play fetch, go on hikes, swim and cuddle. His favorite is just being out and about with Carmela to make new friends and cheer people up!
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!
Desirae & Willow
Desirae & Willow joined the Therapy Animal Program in 2021. Willow is a gentle soul who loves people! In their off time, Willow and Desirae do agility and travel to dog shows with her sisters Luna & Cherri!
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
larissa, dylan & benson
Larissa, Dylan & Benson joined the Therapy Animal Program in 2021. Benson is a giant cuddler who can’t wait to spread joy around Bloomington. He loves swimming, napping, and playing frisbee.
Kyle & Thor
“Thor is one big teddy bear. His favorite activity is getting pets from anyone and everyone he meets. on weekends, Thor loves hiking and romping at the dog park with his brother”
Karin & Barley
“Barley became part of my family in November of 2020. Barley came to me as a rescue and he is a goofy fun pup that loves people! We look forward to being part of the Therapy Team. I have told Barley about Angel’s (Angel and I loved our work together) adventures as a Therapy Dog and he is excited.”
Jessica, Brandon & Clay
Clay loves swimming, and watching birds and squirrels. His other favorite activity is to go on jeep rides!
Due to limited staffing, the Monroe County Humane Association is not currently onboarding new Therapy Team members. All inquiries regarding Therapy Team certification will be answered at the time we resume the onboarding process.
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
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Three FREE prep classes per year to polish handler & animal’s skills
- One FREE veterinary exam per year
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Insurance coverage while on volunteer visits
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Private Facebook group (info, events, tips & demos)
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Name tag for you & therapy vest for your animal
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Camaraderie amongst like-minded teams
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Community gratitude
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Self-fulfillment of touching other community members’ lives
How can I become a Therapy Animal Team?
* Please note that due to limited staffing, the Monroe County Humane Association is not currently onboarding new Therapy Team members. All inquiries regarding Therapy Team Certification will be answered at the time we resume the onboarding process. *
Follow these steps!
Step #1: Determine if your pet meets the behavior requirements
Step #2: Take this questionnaire to see if your pet is a good fit
Step #3: Complete Handler Training
Step #4: Complete Team Evaluation
Step #5: Complete Team Registration
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
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
3410 S Walnut St
Bloomington, IN 47401
Open by appointment only.
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
The 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.