WHY DO YOU REFER TO CAAWLS ANIMALS AS 'WELLNESS ANIMALS' INSTEAD OF 'THERAPY ANIMALS'?

We are trying our best to be consistent with animal assisted intervention standards. Because most animals in our placements are not working alongside a psychologist doing therapy in a professional setting, we use the term 'wellness animal'. Although we of course recognize the therapeutic benefit of using animals in the settings we are in, the most correct term to use for what our organization does is 'wellness animal'. You can read more about this in the section called Definitions and Terms below.

WHAT KINDS OF ANIMALS DO YOU CERTIFY?

We only certify dogs and cats, as we do not currently have the ability to create a comprehensive certification test for other species of animals.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BECOME CERTIFIED?

• Read our website section Volunteering with your Pet.

• Contact our coordinator, who will assist you in booking an obedience and temperament test.

• Attend an evaluation.

• Get a veterinary health check for your animal, and a criminal record, vulnerable sector and child intervention check for yourself.

• Attend an orientation where you will learn all about CAAWLS, Animal Assisted Interventions and what will be expected of you when volunteering.

DOES CAAWLS TRAIN MY DOG OR CAT TO BECOME A WELLNESS ANIMAL?

No. Wellness animals generally either have what it takes to be a wellness animal or they don't. Our trainers look for animals that are calm and confident in new situations, that enjoy the attention of strangers, and that enjoy this type of work.

WHAT KIND OF A TIME COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED?

We would like to see a minimum of 10 visits per year, but are always happy if your schedule allows more. We are specifically looking for volunteers with weekday availability, but we do have occasional placements for animals during evenings and weekends.

DO I HAVE TO LEAVE MY ANIMAL IN SOMEONE ELSE’S CARE?

No! You will be with your animal at all times when you are volunteering.

MY ANIMAL DOES NOT HAVE A ‘SIT AND CUDDLE’ KIND OF PERSONALITY. CAN THEY STILL BE A WELLNESS ANIMAL?

YES! Many of our volunteer dogs play frisbee and fetch, or perform agility skills during their animal assisted intervention sessions. Active animals can also be great additions to clients who may be reluctant to get out of bed or need motivation to move. Sometimes, there is nothing better than an energetic companion!

I DON’T HAVE A PET. CAN I STILL VOLUNTEER?

Yes, absolutely!  We are always in need of volunteers to help us at certain events, and every month with our certifications of new animals. 

I THINK MY PET WOULD BE A GREAT WELLNESS ANIMAL BUT I AM NOT SURE THEY WILL PASS THE TEST. WHAT CAN I DO?

We suggest working with a certified trainer on getting your animal comfortable in a wellness setting. The main focus is a dog with good manner, well socialized, and comfortable with unfamiliar people and locations. Please contact coordinator@caawls.org to find out more. 

THERE’S NO WAY MY PET IS GOING TO PASS THE OBEDIENCE OR TEMPERAMENT TEST. CAN I STILL VOLUNTEER?

Yes you can!  Just without your pet.  Unfortunately uncertified animals will not be permitted to attend CAAWLS events, but humans can become “certified” as volunteers without an animal.  We are always in need of volunteers to help us at events and with certifications.

DO YOU PROVIDE THERAPY ANIMALS?

At this time, all of our animals are not adoptable and are by definition “wellness animals” not “therapy animals”. Please contact 211 for direction on how to obtain a therapy animal.

DO YOU PROVIDE HOME VISITS?

Given that our animal wellness teams are volunteers, we are unable to accommodate in-home visits at this time.

Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI)

An Animal Assisted Intervention is a goal-oriented intervention that intentionally includes or incorporates animals in health, education and human service (e.g., social work) for the purpose of therapeutic gains in humans. Animal assisted interventions incorporate human-animal teams in formal human service such as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) or Animal Assisted Education (AAE).

Animal Assisted Education (AAE)

Animal Assisted Therapy is a goal oriented, planned and structured therapeutic intervention directed and/or delivered by therapeutic and related service professionals. Intervention progress is measured and included in professional documentation. AAT is delivered and/or directed by a formally trained (with active licensure, degree or equivalent) professional with expertise within the scope of the professionals’ practice. AAT focuses on enhancing physical, cognitive, behavioural and/or socio-emotional functioning of the particular human client.

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)

Animal Assisted Therapy is a goal oriented, planned and structured therapeutic intervention directed and/or delivered by therapeutic and related service professionals. Intervention progress is measured and included in professional documentation. AAT is delivered and/or directed by a formally trained (with active licensure, degree or equivalent) professional with expertise within the scope of the professionals’ practice. AAT focuses on enhancing physical, cognitive, behavioural and/or socio-emotional functioning of the particular human client.

Animal Assisted Activity (AAA)

AAAs are informal interactions/visitations often conducted on a volunteer basis by the human-animal team for motivational, educational and recreational purposes. There are no treatment goals for the interactions. AAAs are generally facilitated by individuals who do not have a health, education or human service degrees. Human-animal teams have received at least introductory training, preparation and assessment to participate in informal visitations. Human-animal teams who provide AAA may also work formally and directly with a healthcare, educator and/or human service provider on specific documentable goals. In this case they are participating in AAT or AAE that is conducted by a specialist in his/her profession. Examples of AAA include animal assisted crisis response that focuses on providing comfort and support for trauma, crisis and disaster survivors, and visiting companion animals for ‘meet and greet’ activities with residents in nursing homes.