Become a Certified Handler/Pet Team

What Makes a Good Therapy Dog?

  • Asset 4 Enjoys engaging with people
  • Asset 4 At least one year old, well groomed and in good health
  • Asset 4 Owned for at least six months
  • Asset 4 Calm, friendly and comfortable in new settings particularly noisy and crowded
  • Asset 4 No history of biting or aggressive behavior
  • Asset 4 No prong, chain or e-collars allowed (if you are currently using one of these tools our trainers can provide coaching and support on positive reinforcement alternatives)
  • Asset 4 Obedience skills mastered
  • Walks on a loose leash
  • “Sit” and “Down” commands mastered
  • Holds a “stay” command for 2 minutes
  • “Leave It” command mastered

What does our training and accreditation program offer?

  • Hands-on practice, training, and assessment at a multi-care residential community (Congregational Home – Brookfield WI)
  • A judgment free training that focuses on positive relationship building
  • A knowledgeable, dedicated, and professional dog training staff
  • Recognized by American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of only a couple pet therapy training programs in Wisconsin
  • Small class sizes to offer an exceptional, hands-on experience
  • Opportunity to apply for the “Canine Good Citizen” designation through AKC upon graduation
  • Pet therapy placement support post-program completion
  • Involvement in group therapy activities and special events
  • Safety is a priority for us. We train handlers to be advocates for their dogs to create and support the safest and most loving environment for all.

How It Works

These are the three steps each individual must complete to become an accredited pet therapy trainer.

Part 1 – Assessment

**Please note new pricing effective January 1, 2026**

  • Asset 4 Assessment focuses on temperament, obedience, and initiation / engagement
  • Asset 4 Tasks are designed to measure specific skills and temperament quality necessary for a good therapy dog
  • Asset 4 Successful completion of assessment results in an invitation to the four-week training classes
  • Asset 4 Thirty minute assessment where both dog and handler are guided through a series of tasks
  • Assessment for one person with one dog = $50
  • Assessment for two people with one dog = $75

To register or for more information, use the CONTACT US form or email us at petshelpingpeople@att.net

Part 2 – Therapy Class & Pricing (pricing includes all 4 classes)

  • Asset 4 Classes combine demonstration, individual and group activities, and role playing with actual client visits and scenarios within a controlled and supervised setting
  • One person with one dog = $200
  • Two people with one dog = $300
  • Two people (one minor-under 18) with one dog = $275
  • Asset 4 Week 1
  • Introduction to Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and their benefits
  • Discussion of the many opportunities to become involved in AAA’s
  • Explore the role and responsibilities of being a volunteer handler
  • Asset 4 Week 2 & 3
  • Provide the teams an opportunity to practice interactions in various situations and settings, including bed-side work
  • Asset 4 Week 4
  • Test night
  • Evaluation is completed to test competence and skill in activities and interactions learned throughout the accreditation process

Part 3 – Paperwork, Placement, Retention

  • Asset 4 Handler / pet teams that successfully pass the final exam are asked to submit final paperwork then work begins to locate their best placement
  • Evidence of current liability insurance with minimum limit of $1,000,000
  • Health report from veterinarian stating the dog is healthy and up to date on shots/vaccinations.
  • Asset 4 Assistance offered by PHP to help handlers find right placement once paperwork is submitted
  • Asset 4 Re-certification (Every two years) – $50 per handler/pet team
  • Asset 4 For additional training/behavior support, please contact either PHP lead trainer. Cory Schneider may be reached at crosbyscanine@gmail.com/414-261-DOGS (3647). Rachel Kelly may be reached at rekelly1999@gmail.com/262-765-6423

Our classes are held at Congregational Home-13900 W. Burleigh in Brookfield.

**Please note that the assessment needs to be completed prior to being eligible for class and advanced registration is required. To begin the scheduling process or for more information, complete the Contact Us form on our website. ***

January: Classes held on January 6/13/20/27, Assessment-January 13

February: Classes held on February 3/10/17/24, Assessment-February 10

March: Classes held on March 3/10/17/24, Assessment-March 10

April: Classes held on April 7/14/21/28, Assessment-April 14

May: Classes held on May 5/12/19/26, Assessment-May 12

June: Classes held on June 2/9/16/23, Assessment-June 9

July: Classes held on July 7/14/21/28, Assessment-July 14

August: Classes held on August 4/11/18/25, Assessment-August 11

September: Classes held on September 1/8/15/22, Assessment-September 8

October: Classes held on October 6/13/20/27, Assessment-October 13

November: Classes held on November 3/10/17/24, Assessments on November 10 & 24

Set on a beautifully landscaped 13 acre site in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Congregational Home is a wonderful place to call home. Here you will find a blend of living arrangements to fit almost every need and desire, including Independent apartments, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Memory and Rehabilitative care. Personalized service is the hallmark of Congregational Home. They believe the way to truly care about people is by building strong relationships, one at a time.

A Little Bit About Why We Train At Congregational Home

Through a remarkable partnership with Congregational Home, Pets Helping People has been able to provide our teams an opportunity to assess and train in an actual multi-care residential community. This allows owners and their dogs an opportunity to experience firsthand the sights, sounds and smells similar to those they will encounter when out visiting.

Training in a facility where residents are welcome to stop in and visit during class exposes our new teams to the unpredictability of doing volunteer work.

This ‘hands-on’ training helps new handlers gain experience in real-life situations. Experience builds confidence and with confidence comes calmness, a critical element of pet-therapy work.

Interested in becoming a Handler/Pet Team?

Contact us to start the process.

Contact Us