Get Involved
Why should I get involved?
You can make a difference! Learn how to provide safe, effective animal assisted crisis intervention to individuals and responders affected by life changing transitions, crisis and disaster.
How do I become a certified AACR Team with my dog?
Thank you for your interest in becoming an Animal Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) team! The training and evaluation process is a multifaceted process which will require your time and dedication to complete. This enables AACR to select only the most qualified teams and then thoroughly prepare each team to be able to respond safe and effectively. Below is a short outline the steps necessary to become an AACR team.
Step 1: Training Prerequisites
There are a few prerequisites that a prospective team must meet before beginning the training process:
1. You must be a registered therapy dog team and actively visiting at least one time per month.
2. You must complete the recommended reading list (see the AACR Library)
3. You must complete the online FEMA class IS-100 Intro to Incident Command System.
4. We recommend that you complete First Aid, CPR, and Pet First Aid classes prior to attending the workshop (through the Red Cross or online). If you are unable to complete these prior to the workshop, you will be required to complete them before you will be certified as an AACR Team.
5. You must vaccinate your dog against Rabies.
6. Finally, select a training workshop and complete the AACR Training Registration Form, Questionaire, Team Bio, and have your veterinarian complete the AACR Animal Health Screening Form.
Step 2: Training and Evaluation
Once you have submitted all the necessary documentation, you will be notified via email of your acceptance the the AACR workshop. The 4-day training workshop will include classroom instruction, practice simulations, and exposure to various real life scenarios. The cost for this workshop is $375. (It is recommended that you stay in a hotel with your dog during the workshop, to simulate an AACR callout, so additional expenses may be incurred). During the entire duration of the workshop you will be evaluated and feedback on the training team’s evaluation will be shared with you at the end of the workshop. Once you have completed t workshop, you may be recommended for eligibility for certification consideration. (Further details about the workshop will be provided to you upon acceptance.)
Step 3: Certification Prerequisites
Once a team becomes eligible for certification, they must ensure that they have met all of the minimum certification requirements. There are three certification levels, and as you progress is experience and training a team will be eligible to apply to advance to the next level. Below is a sample of the areas you will need basic experience in, with increasing levels to advance to a higher AACR team level. (Further details about the certification requirments will be provided to upon eligibility.)
1. Experience in animal assited activities (AAA) or animal assisted therapy (AAT) with your dog.
2. Professional or volunteer membership with a local emergency response agency.
3. Continuing education in FEMA, NIMS, Red Cross, crisis intervention, or Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
Step 4: Documentation, Fees and Annual Dues, and Equipment
Once a team has completed all the certification prerequisites, they will need to provide the necessary documentation to AACR, along with your 3-year certification fee of $25 and annual AACR Membership Dues of $30. Additionally, you will be required to purchase an AACR team bag, an AACR embroidered dog vest and patch, as well as one or more AACR embroidered shirts.
Still got questions?
Call or email us for more info:
Email: therapydogwoman@gmail.com
Office: (541) 461-1188 Cell: (541) 953-6316