People Requirements

(must be 18 years of age)

Qualifying and Training Class

Both applicant and pet must attend TPPT's two-hour class. The FIRST HALF is an orientation explaining rules and regulations of TPPT, the State and health care facilities. The SECOND HALF of class is "Creating an Institutional Environment." Applicants and their pets are given a walk through of the many situations they will encounter in the various facilities; such as, wheelchairs, walkers, etc.

Paperwork

Applicants will be given the "Pet Pal Pointer" handbook to take home and study to determine if they wish to apply for TPPT membership. Also they will be given instructions for the proper completion of the application and other required TPPT forms. After the application is submitted to TPPT for membership, it takes approximately two/three weeks for processing and medical checks to be completely processed. Applicant will then be notified and scheduling will begin for the institutional training visits.

Training

Applicant/Trainee may select the institution/health care facility they wish to visit--if their pet's size/adaptability is conducive to that particular environment. The trainee and pet will be assigned an experienced TPPT trainer, who will make a minimum of three training visits with them. Training visits will be extended, if they are not yet comfortable &/or confident  in their new volunteer assignment.

Visitations

Membership requires a firm commitment of a minimum of two visits per month to your assigned facility.  This creates a "bond" between the residents and the TPPT volunteers. Some residents/patients do not have any other visitors, therefore, TPPT member visits are very important, and bonding can not occur with less than two visits per month!

If You Are Interested In Volunteering:

Please call the office (512-347-1984) for pre-screening  after  reviewing How to Volunteer information page.

Austin/Central Texas Area Classes:

Call (512) 347-1984 to register.   Class registration begins at 6:45 P.M.

Registration fee is $20.00 (cash or check only), payable at registration desk on class day.

 2008 Class Dates:  

    January 16th  
    April 16th
    July 16th
    October 15th

The Woodlands/Houston Chapter Classes:

Call (512) 347-1984 to register.  Class registration begins at 6:45 P.M.

Registration fee is $20.00 (cash or check ONLY) payable at time of registration.

2008 Class Dates:

      February 20th
      August 20th

For General Information: tppt_admin@therapypetpals.org

For The Woodlands/Houston Area questions: djhand@prodigy.net