Our Volunteers

NCTD has approximately 200 volunteer handler-and-pet teams throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, and Northern Virginia. Each volunteer undergoes our standards-based training and evaluation and is required to take continuing education workshops. Training is rigorous and covers all aspects of visiting, including the importance of infection control and patient privacy.

Our animal partners also undergo thorough training and evaluation. The handler must obtain a health status report signed by the veterinarian. NCTD’s general liability insurance is in effect when teams are visiting NCTD-approved facilities. Animals are groomed and cleaned before each visit.

While most of our volunteers are handler-dog teams, and most of the material you find on our website is written from that perspective, we sometimes consider cats and other animals as potential therapy animals for NCTD. If you want more information about this, please Contact Us.

We also have volunteers who may not have an animal, or whose therapy animal has retired. These volunteers are invaluable and help us with administrative tasks, event planning, training classes, and evaluations. We welcome your support whether you have an animal or not.

See our Volunteer section for more information.