Aultman Volunteer Services is proud to offer the Happy Tails animal-assisted activity program. This program allows certified therapy dogs and their handlers to bring comfort and joy to hospitalized patients.

Steps to Join Happy Tails

1. Select an Approved Therapy Dog Organization

Before applying to Happy Tails, you and your dog must become certified through one of Aultman Hospital’s approved therapy dog organizations:

• Pet Partners
• The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc.

Each organization has its own education, veterinary, evaluation, registration, fee and certification requirements.

Prospective volunteers are responsible for researching both organizations, selecting the organization that best meets their needs and completing its certification process.

2. Complete the Certification Requirements

Complete all handler education, veterinary documentation, team evaluations, registration requirements and applicable fees required by your selected organization.

Your handler and dog team certification must be current before applying to Happy Tails.

3. Review the Happy Tails Requirements

Carefully review the Handler and Dog Team Applicant Requirements to confirm that you and your dog meet Aultman Hospital’s qualifications.

4. Apply to Volunteer at Aultman Hospital

Once you and your dog are certified and meet the Happy Tails requirements, submit an Aultman Hospital volunteer application at aultman.org/volunteer.