Okay, so I’ve been thinking about getting my cat, Mittens, certified as a therapy pet for a while. She’s just the sweetest, most cuddly thing, and I figured she could bring a lot of joy to people who need it. So, I finally decided to do it! Here’s how the whole process went down.
First Steps: Is Your Cat a Good Fit?
First thing I did was some serious soul-searching (and cat-observing). Not every cat is cut out for therapy work. Mittens is super chill, loves being petted, and isn’t easily spooked, which are all good signs. I thought about:
- Her Temperament: Is she generally friendly and patient?
- Her Reaction to New People and Places: Does she hide, or is she curious?
- Her Tolerance for Handling: Does she let people pet her all over, even strangers?
Mittens passed my little “home test” with flying colors. She practically purrs on command!
Finding a Program
Next up, I had to find an actual therapy pet organization. I did a bunch of Googling and found a few national ones, but also some local groups. It seemed like most of them had similar requirements, but it’s good to check around.
The Evaluation
This was the big one! I signed up for an evaluation with a local organization. It was pretty straightforward, actually. They basically wanted to see how Mittens behaved in a simulated “therapy” setting.
Here’s what they checked:
- Basic Obedience: I use the term “obedience” loosely with a cat, haha! But they wanted to see if she would come when called (sort of!), and if she would tolerate being on a leash and harness.
- Reaction to Stimuli: They had some loud noises, people in wheelchairs, and even a few people acting a little… well, let’s just say “unpredictable.” Mittens just blinked at them. Seriously, she’s unflappable.
- Interaction with Strangers: They had different people pet her, and even had someone hold her for a bit. She purred through the whole thing.
Paperwork and Fees
Of course, there’s always paperwork. I had to fill out some forms about Mittens’ health and vaccination history, and there was a registration fee. Nothing too crazy.
Getting Started with Visits
Once Mittens was officially certified, the organization helped me find places where we could volunteer. We started with a local nursing home. It was amazing!
Seeing the residents’ faces light up when Mittens curled up on their laps was just… priceless. She really seemed to know what they needed. It made all the effort totally worth it.
Ongoing Stuff
The certification isn’t a one-and-done deal. I have to renew it periodically, and make sure Mittens stays up-to-date on her vaccinations. There are also some guidelines about how often we can visit, to make sure Mittens doesn’t get stressed out.
Honestly, the whole process was way easier than I expected. If you’ve got a calm, friendly cat, and you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, I totally recommend looking into therapy pet certification!
