About Pets Helping People

<h2>Training handler and pet teams for therapy work since 1998</h2>

<p>Pets Helping People is a Greenfield-based nonprofit that trains owners and their dogs to do pet therapy: "We train dedicated dog owners and their big-hearted dogs to bring joy, comfort, and connection into hospitals, schools, and care facilities across our community." Since its founding in 1998 it has trained over 800 handler-pet teams, and it reaches more than 5,000 people annually across southeastern Wisconsin through certified teams, plus another 5,000 through group pet therapy events.</p>

<h3>The training program</h3>

<p>The organization runs "a comprehensive vetting and training program for handlers and their pets," providing "top-notch training, assessment, and support for individuals who wish to share their dogs with people in our community of all backgrounds and ages." Training classes are held at Congregational Home, 13900 W Burleigh in Brookfield, and the site describes this as "our unique training partnership" giving teams "hands-on training in an authentic setting while enriching the lives of CH residents through meaningful interactions." New teams are trained each month, and the organization supports teams on an ongoing basis in finding the right placement.</p>

<h3>Philosophy and credentials</h3>

<p>"We believe and encourage positive reinforcement training, supporting a healthy, friendly and fun environment for all to learn and grow in," and the program trains handlers "to be advocates for their dogs to create and support the safest and most loving environment for all." Pets Helping People states it is an AKC-recognized therapy dog training organization, and that its "fear free certified lead trainers have the ability to provide CGC (Canine Good Citizen) designation as part of our therapy dog training/certification." Beyond training and testing, it coordinates therapy visits with hospitals, care homes and libraries, and runs educational community presentations.</p>