Animal Angels Training
Saturdays in 2023:
September 16, 23, 30
October 7, 21, 28
November 4, 18
December 2
Great Hall Narthex — 8:30 – 10 am
The training class provides two tiers of training: First is preparation for taking the national Therapy Dog Registration test. This registration is required by many facilities. It also provides insurance for dog and handler teams while visiting. Second is helpful information for this service ministry on topics like facility requirements, aging and illness, and conversational skills for a respectful and meaningful visit. The conversational skills portion is based on the training from the Befriender Ministry for post-crisis support.
The training is available to any dog owner who is willing to make the commitment to visit at least one hour per month for one year following their Registration test, plus attend the monthly In-service meetings from September through May during their first year of service. The In-Service meetings are for fun and learning with our dogs!
Team members visit in care facilities, hospitals, schools, libraries, homeless and domestic violence shelters, etc. Examples are Lakewood and Regions Hospitals; St. Andrew’s Village; the Mahtomedi, Bayport, and Roseville libraries; Harriet Tubman Center; and more. We are an active group that has been featured several times in the local press. We work throughout the metro area, primarily in Washington County. We also partner with several hospice organizations such as Ecumen and Lifespark. Hospice requires additional training from those organizations.
There is no charge for this training; however, the Therapy Dog registration organizations do charge a nominal testing fee ($10) and an annual registration fee of ~$50 that includes the insurance coverage ($3 million).
Anyone wanting more information or to sign up can contact Kathryn Monroe at 651-272-8761 or restorapwds@comcast.net.
