Certifications and Referrals
University of Denver’s Animals and Human Health Certificate
An online certification program for professionals focusing on the human-animal bond; not specific to the mental health field.
The nation’s largest organization for volunteer teams doing animal assisted activities. Pet Partners work is not specific to the mental health field but does provide evaluation and certification for therapy teams.
Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado (PTDC)
Provides training & certification for mental health professionals and their therapy dogs.
Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC)
A Colorado State University program that focuses on therapeutic benefits of companion animals. They provide evaluation and certification for human-animal therapy teams.
Denver Pet Partners
Provides AATPC referrals and becoming a volunteer AAT team.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Psychological Association - Human-Animal Interaction Section
Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors
An international, non-profit professional membership organization whose mission is to promote scientific education in the field of applied companion animal behavior.
Animal Trainers
Connections Dog Training
Jonteray Cain provides positive-based dog training for therapy dogs and other dogs
Peaceful Paws Dog Training
Dog trainer, Pat Blocker works with a variety of canine behavior issues and is knowledgeable about therapy dog training.
Dog Training Solutions
Barbara Weiss, a highly experienced dog trainer of thirty years, specializes in problem behavior and aggression.
Animal Behavior Associates
Provides behavioral training and assistance for animals with behavior problems.
Service Dogs
Freedom Service Dogs
A nonprofit organization that rescues and trains dogs for individuals with various medical and psychiatric issues. They also have dogs for adoption who have not completed service dog training- our therapy dog Rupert is from FSD!
Animal Shelters
Evergreen Animal Protective League
Aids lost, abandoned and suffering animals through rescue, shelter and education. A no kill shelter.
Intermountain Humane Society
Committed to promoting a life-long bond between people and their pets and providing care for animals in need. A no kill shelter.
Denver Dumb Friends League
Humane shelter providing a variety of adoptable animals.
The Cat Care Society
Cat Care Society operates a limited admission cage-free shelter for homeless and abused cats while providing community outreach programs to enrich the lives of people and cats.
Therapeutic Resources
The Benefits of Companion Animals for Managing Trauma
This resource is from the folks over at Virigina Commonwealth University and has a ton of info Animal Assisted Therapy and the numerous benefits animals can bring in managing trauma.
