Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Dog Handler Volunteer

About the role

The Idaho Youth Ranch's Residential Center for Healing & Resilience in Caldwell is Idaho's first and only accredited long-term psychiatric residential facility for youth ages 11-17. The young people here have often experienced significant trauma. Their days are built around a structured, clinically designed treatment plan, and every support they receive is carefully coordinated by Idaho Youth Ranch's licensed professional team.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside Idaho Youth Ranch's Therapeutic Leads to implement activities planned collaboratively and tied to specific goals in each youth's treatment plan.
• Be an active participant in structured activities, not just present for petting.
• Read your dog's body language in real time and adjust to the session environment as needs shift.

Requirements

• Your dog should genuinely enjoy engaging with a diverse range of people for extended periods, not just a quick greeting and a pat.
• Your dog should remain cheerful and composed in unpredictable environments, including unfamiliar sounds, smells, and emotional intensity.
• Your dog needs to be adaptable when encountering new people and situations.
• Your dog should truly enjoy working through activities with someone other than their owner giving the cues.
• Specialized AAT training is a significant asset.

Qualifications

• You must have a strong working relationship with your dog.
• You need strong communication skills to collaborate with Idaho Youth Ranch's professional staff.
• You must have exceptional observational awareness to monitor your dog's wellbeing and adapt activities in the moment.

Skills

• Gentleness
• Empathy
• Genuine calm
• Strong communication skills
• Exceptional observational awareness

Benefits

• Close collaboration with Idaho Youth Ranch's professional staff.
• Opportunity to work with a diverse range of people and environments.
• Adaptability and flexibility in activities and environments.

Pay

No pay is provided for this volunteer position.

Schedule

Volunteers are expected to commit to a flexible schedule that aligns with the needs of the Idaho Youth Ranch's Residential Center for Healing & Resilience in Caldwell.

Contact Information

To express interest, reach out to Prescribed Pets to begin the conversation. They will walk you through the evaluation process, discuss whether your team is a fit, and coordinate with Idaho Youth Ranch's clinical staff to find a placement that works for everyone.