Regional Certification Training Program

Our Regional Certification Training Programs are scheduled in each region, typically once per year. Interested people with dogs must have experience volunteering in animal-assisted activities/therapy. People interested in becoming a Team Leader do not need experience in AAA/T.  Each RCTP follows the HOPE AACR Board of Director approved guidelines and requirements established by the HOPE AACR Education & Training Committee. The four-part program includes:

• Informational Open House:

• Screening Evaluation:

• 3-Day Certification Training Workshop:

• Continuing Education:

Check our calendar or email us to find out when
the next screening and certification training workshop will be held.

Overview & Objectives of the RCTP

Informational Open House:

• An Open House gives prospective members a comprehensive overview of HOPE AACR.  Prospective members have an opportunity to meet HOPE AACR certified members and their dogs.  Questions are answered by members and leaders in HOPE AACR.

Screening Evaluation:

• Screening evaluations help to determine who is qualified to participate in certification workshop training.  A screening consists of an in-depth interview, interactions with HOPE AACR evaluators, and a series of exercises for the handler and canine partner.

• Potential Team Leaders (people without a dog), go though a similar screening process, and are evaluated on their leadership skills and aptitude for assisting crisis response teams.

3-Day Certification Training Workshop:

The 3 day certification training workshop consists of comprehensive training for essential skills needed for animal-assisted crisis response.  Some of the topics taught included:

• History of HOPE AACR and animal-assisted crisis response.

• Explore the nature and spectrum of disasters; HOPE AACR’s roles in responding.

• Learn how to communicate effectively in crisis situations for the purpose of providing emotional comfort.

• Learn who Emergency Responders are; types of responses; how and when we work with responders.

• Field training in emergency response environments, personnel, & equipment.

• Experience and learn about travel as a HOPE AACR Team

• Learn about the effects of stress on people and what to do.

• Learn how dogs learn, and how they can be effective AACR partners.

• Learn about canine stress, and what to do when stress happens.

• Learn and practice canine desensitizing and counter-conditioning.

• Participate through role playing in simulated crises.

• Learn about the criteria for membership in HOPE AACR.

Continuing Education:

• Reinforce and practice AACR skills to remain response ready.

• Participate in training exercises and drills with area teams.

• Build cohesive response groups.

• Augment skills with relevant conferences, workshops, and courses.

• Practice canine desensitizing through participation in events, drills, and training.

• We encourage members to volunteer with local emergency response/relief organizations, such as American Red Cross, CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams), Etc.