Twice a year Caring Critters conducts a day-long orientation workshop for all incoming volunteers.  The workshop is designed to familiarize the volunteer with all facets of our program.  We present a brief history of animal-assisted therapy and information on various human-animal bond activities throughout the country.   Caring Critters' policies, procedures, rules and requirements are explained in detail.  A nurse acquaints new volunteers with the various populations they may encounter on a visit and offers ways to interact with patients/residents who are mentally or physically challenged.  Other presenters define zoonotic diseases, explain why cross species infection is not a problem, and discuss how to recognize and reduce stress in therapy pets.  The facilities Caring Critters serves are described to enable volunteers to choose the best one suited to them and their pet.  A demonstration of temperament testing rounds out the day. Note: Our next new volunteer workshop will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013, with Temperament Testing the following Saturday, April 13, 2013. Please note that we do NOT maintain mailing lists of interested individuals. Interested? We will be accepting requests for applications for the Spring workshop for three weeks only, from January 1, 2013 through January 22, 2013. Please send your name, home mailing address and phone number to Caring Critters at that time. To request an application to attend the workshop, CLICK HERE to send an email or send your request to: Caring Critters, Inc., 2617C West Holcombe Blvd., Box 265 Houston, TX 77025.

INTRODUCTION Our Program Our Volunteers Getting Involved Contact Us MISSION & GOALS WORKSHOP TEMPERAMENT    TESTING THERAPY PETS FACILITIES FAQs