Okay, so I’ve been meaning to get my cat, Mittens, certified as a therapy pet for ages. She’s just the sweetest, most cuddly thing, and I figured she could bring that joy to other people. Here’s how I went about it, and honestly, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be!
Figuring Out Where to Start
First, I had to find out what the deal was with therapy pet certification. I didn’t even know if that was something that was popular with cats. I hit up the internet and did some digging. I looked into organizations that do this kind of thing. I wanted to make sure it’s a legit place and not some random fly-by-night operation.
The Training (and the Temperament Test)
After selecting one program, I started by checking if Mittens had the right personality. Turns out, therapy pets need to be pretty chill. She passed with flying colors! She’s never met a stranger she didn’t like (or at least, didn’t want to rub against).
We took some basic class together, this was part of the program. It was mostly about getting her used to being in different environments, like hospitals or nursing homes,and making sure she behaved. She got used to loud noises, weird smells, and lots of people wanting to pet her.
- Leash Training: Got her used to a harness and leash. This took some time, she wasn’t thrilled at first, but treats helped!
- Basic Commands: “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Leave it” were the big ones. She’s pretty good at “sit,” okay at “stay,” and “leave it” is a work in progress (especially if it involves a stray feather).
- Exposure: I started taking her to pet-friendly stores, just to get her used to being around people and other animals.
The Evaluation
Then came the big test. The Evaluator, a really nice lady who clearly loved animals, made sure that she does well around people and that she follows the directions. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but Mittens was a star. We practiced a lot beforehand, walking around, letting strangers pet her, and ignoring distractions. She handled it all like a pro. The Evaluator was checking to see how she reacted to different situations, like being touched by multiple people, encountering medical equipment (we used a rolling suitcase to simulate a wheelchair), and dealing with unexpected noises.
Getting the Official Paperwork
Once we passed the evaluation, it was all about paperwork. I filled out some forms, sent in the evaluator’s report, and paid a fee. And then, boom! Mittens was officially a certified therapy cat! I got a little ID card for her and everything.
Starting the Visits
Now, we’re ready to start visiting places! I’ve contacted a local nursing home, and they’re excited to have us. I’m a little nervous about our first real visit, but mostly I’m just excited to see Mittens spread some happiness. It’s been a fun process, and I’m so proud of my little fluffball!
