Become A Team Member

Join Golden Healers Therapy Dog Team

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Thank you for your interest in becoming a therapy dog handler. We are delighted to share our volunteer community with you, and our website is a great place to start to explore all that Golden Healers offers.

Joining the Golden Healers Therapy Dog team offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Whether visiting hospitals, schools, counseling offices, first responder facilities, or other, our therapy dog teams bring comfort, joy, and emotional healing to those in need. As a member, you'll be part of a supportive community dedicated to professional standards, ongoing education, and the well-being of both dogs and the people they serve. It's a chance to bond more deeply with your dog while spreading kindness, hope, and healing one visit at a time.

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Application Process

To become a certified therapy dog handler with Golden Healers, you must first complete the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification, followed by our Therapy Dog Training program. If you and your dog have already completed CGC and/or therapy dog training through another recognized organization, you may qualify to join our team by taking the Golden Healers Therapy Dog Evaluation. This assessment helps determine whether you and your dog meet our standards and are a good fit for our program. Those who pass out test and dog evaluation may join without additional training. However, if the test and evaluation reveals areas needing improvement, participation in the appropriate Golden Healers training courses will be required before certification and team placement.

1.

Complete canine good citizen

If you have not completed Canine Good Citizen, sign up for classes.  If you have already completed CGC go to step two.

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2.

Complete therapy dog training

If you have no therapy dog experience, you will need to complete our training course. If you have experience go to step three.

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3.

Test and Evaluation

Once you have completed CGC & GH Therapy Dog Training you will be tested and evaluated to become a certified therapy dog team.  If you have already been certified somewhere else, you will just need to pass GH Therapy Dog Handler test and evaluation to join our team.

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Canine Good Citizen Requirements ​

1. Accepting a friendly stranger Evaluator approaches and pretends to shake hands with handler (hands 6- 12” apart). Evaluator does not touch dog.
2. Sitting politely for petting Evaluator pets dog; dog must show no shyness or resentment.
3. Appearance and grooming Evaluator inspects dog, combs or brushes lightly, examines ears and each front foot.
4. Out for a walk Handler takes dog for a short walk including right turn, left turn, about turn and stop.
5. Walking through a crowd Dog and handler walk close to several people; dog may show causal interest but not jump up.
6. Sit and down on cue/Staying in place Handler shows that dog can do both sit and down, then chooses a position, leaves dog and goes to the end of a 20 ft. line, and returns immediately.
7. Coming when called With dog still on 20 ft. line from Test 6, handler walks out 10 ft. and calls the dog.
8. Reaction to another dog Two handlers and dogs approach, pretend to shake hands (hands 6-12” apart), exchange pleasantries, then move on.
9. Reaction to distractions Distractions are presented; dog may not panic or show aggression.
10. Supervised separation Handler goes out of sight for 3-min. Dog is held on a 6-ft. leash by an evaluator.

Canine Good Citizen
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What We Look For in a Golden Healers Therapy Dog Handler:

At Golden Healers, our therapy dog handlers are the heart of our mission. We’re looking for individuals who not only love dogs but are deeply committed to serving others with compassion, patience, and professionalism.
Ideal therapy dog handler qualities include:

✅ A kind, calm, and confident demeanor
✅ Strong communication and interpersonal skills
✅ A genuine desire to bring joy and comfort to others
✅ Dependability and consistency in scheduling visits
✅ The ability to remain patient and composed in a variety of environments
✅ Respect for boundaries—of clients, staff, and the dogs we work with

You don’t need prior experience—just a willingness to learn and a heart to serve. We’ll provide the training you need to confidently lead therapy dog visits and become a valuable part of our healing mission.

Expectations of Golden Healers Handlers Being part of the Golden Healers Therapy Dog Team comes with responsibility, purpose, and the reward of meaningful service. Here's what we expect from our handlers:

Complete Handler Training: All volunteers must complete our therapy dog handler course to understand proper conduct, canine behavior, and visit protocols.

Follow Visit Procedures: Adhere to all scheduling, reporting, and safety procedures for therapy visits.

Respect Privacy: Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism at all locations.

Ensure Cleanliness & Control: Maintain a clean, calm, and controlled presence with the dog at all times.

Be Reliable: Commit to regular volunteering and communicate proactively with our team.

Be Present & Compassionate: You are representing Golden Healers and helping others through presence, listening, and empathy.

Therapy dog work is not only a service—it’s a calling. If you feel drawn to bring healing through connection, we’d love to have you on our team. Together, we change lives—one paw at a time.

10 Key Characteristics We Look For In A Great Therapy Dog:

1. Calm Temperament – Therapy dogs remain relaxed and composed, even in unfamiliar or chaotic environments.
2.Friendly and Social – They enjoy meeting new people and are comfortable being petted, hugged, and handled.
3.Well-Trained and Obedient – They respond reliably to commands and have excellent manners in public settings.
4.Non-Aggressive – They show no signs of aggression toward people or other animals, even under stress.
5.Gentle and Patient – Therapy dogs are tolerant and slow to react, making them ideal for working with children, elderly, or individuals with disabilities.
6.Emotionally Stable – They’re not easily startled by loud noises, medical equipment, or sudden movements.
7.Adaptable – They can adjust to a wide variety of environments, from hospitals to schools to counseling offices.
8.Clean and Well-Groomed – They’re kept in top physical condition and cleanliness, which is essential for infection control in healthcare settings.
9.Healthy and Fit – They are up to date on vaccinations, free of parasites, and physically able to handle regular visits.
10.Bonded with Their Handler – A strong connection with their handler ensures they take cues easily and feel secure during therapy visits.

Firedepartment

April & May 2025
Training Shedule

We open up admission every week. Enrollment is limited to the amount of applicants per week. It is given on a first come first serve basis.

  • CGC Class April 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is April 10th
  • Therapy Dog Class April 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is April 10th
  • CGC Class April 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is April 17th
  • Therapy Dog Class April 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is April 17th
  • CGC Class April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is April 24th
  • Therapy Dog Class April 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is April 24th
  • CGC Class May 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is May 1st
  • Therapy Dog Class May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is May 1st
  • CGC Class May 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is May 15th
  • Therapy Dog Class May 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is May 15th
  • CGC Class May 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is May 22nd
  • Therapy Dog Class May 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is May 22nd
  • CGC Class May 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is May 29th
  • Therapy Dog Class May 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. MST
    Deadline for applicants to enroll is May 29th
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Don’t hesitate to apply—even if you’re not sure you’re ready. We’re here to support you every step of the way and help you and your dog reach your full potential.

Journey, Ace & Yuka

The First Golden Healer Therapy Dogs, 2019

New admission starts This Week

Don’t miss this opportunity to enroll this week and take the first step toward training you and your dog for success. We’re excited to welcome you to the Golden Healers team!

Canine Good Citizen

Enroll Now

Therapy Dog Training

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Test & Evaluation

Apply Now

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Contact Info

  • PO Box 411 Draper, UT 84020
  • 801.738.1050
  • info@goldenehealers.org

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    Classes start every week

    Register for Canine Good Citizen Classes

    4 / 1- hour classes – $100 Due at first class

    Classes start every week

    Register for Therapy Dog Training

    4 / 1- hour classes – $100 Due at first class

    Classes start every week

    Request a Therapy Dog Test & Evalutaion

    $50 Due at Evaluation