Volunteer With National Capital Therapy Dogs, Inc.

NCTD is always interested in having new volunteer teams participate! But, before you begin we feel it is important that teams are trained and screened.  This ensures safe and effective visits for you, your animal, and the client.  NCTD sponsors regular Volunteer Training Courses, Therapy Dog Trainign Courses, and Team Screenings for interested handlers and animals.

A flow chart of the process is shown below. Just click on each box to get a more thorough explanation of each step.

Why Volunteer With National Capital Therapy Dogs?

Nationally-Recognized Training/Screening Process

• NCTD believes training both ends of the leash is important.
• NCTD provides a special 6 week therapy dog training course. This class allows both handler and animal to practice visiting in a safe learning environment.
• NCTD's mentor program provides an opportunity for new volunteers to learn from experienced volunteers. A mentor is assigned to all new volunteers to help them through the registration process and their first visits.
• NCTD provides ongoing training opportunities to its volunteers through open floor training sessions.

Part of a Winning Team

• Both NCTD handlers and animals wear NCTD uniforms on visits. This allows facility staff and clients to quickly identify us as therapy teams.
• NCTD provides opportunities to socialize with other volunteers by sponsoring picnics and volunteer appreciation events.
• NCTD keeps volunteers informed through the NCTD web site, as well as via phone and E-mail. Volunteers feel like part of a team.
• By visiting as a group at NCTD facilities, volunteers learn from each other and can share their visiting experiences.

Variety of Premier Facilities

• NCTD's facilities include hospitals, assisted-living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and even schools!
• At many NCTD facilities, there are opportunities to not only visit with clients, but to actually help clients through rehabilitation using Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT).
• NCTD's READ program helps children improve their reading skills by reading to animals.
• NCTD volunteers, in addition to visiting NCTD facilities, are welcome to visit other facilities. Many facilities welcome Pet Partner teams!
• NCTD's visits are scheduled on different days at different times throughout the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area. This allows volunteers to select visits that best fit their needs and schedules.

Other Benefits

• All NCTD teams carry $1 million supplemental liability insurance.
• NCTD provides volunteers opportunities to assist with other aspects of the organization, including helping with public education programs, new volunteer training and screening, and mentoring.

Please refer to NCTD's Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.  If you still have questions, contact us at 301-585-NCTD (6283) or info@nctdinc.org.