top of page

AAT, as Easy as 1-2-3
 
1. Enroll in a class in Raleigh or Wilmington, North Carolina. 
2. Complete the class and take the assessment
3. Complete the paperwork online (preferred) or hard copy

Receive your certification letter, identification, vest, or patch for your dog (dogs less than 15 pounds). Start visiting.

Upcoming Class Dates: Wilmington, NC 
NEXT CLASS TBD

Classes meet once a week from from 6 to 7:30 pm

Wilmington Class  Location:
6603 Market St, Unit 3, Wilmington NC 28405
 

AAT Class Prerequisites 

 

The dog must have completed basic and intermediate obedience training, formally or informally, and be AKC CGC-ready.

​

Dogs must be Behaviorally Healthy and not have aggression issues with other dogs.

​

To be eligible for the therapy dog evaluation, dogs must be at least one year old at the start of class and should have lived with their handlers for a minimum of six months.

​

All dogs must have Rabies and DHPP vaccinations or titers.   Proof of vaccinations or titers must be brought to first class.

 

Canine influenza vaccination is highly recommended.  Proof of vaccines is required. Dogs without proof of vaccinations or titers will not be able to participate.  

​

Pre-registration with pre-payment is required.

​

Equipment for the Dog: A flat buckle collar, cloth martingale collar, or head collar, and an Easy Walk or Freedom harness with instructor approval are allowed. Choke, chain, or prong collars are not allowed. 

​​

AAT sample of skills covered during classes
 

  • Walking past and leaving items dropped on the ground

  • Walking on a loose leash

  • Working around medical equipment

  • Walking past a neutral dog

  • Working with a crowd of people

  • Various situations that may be encountered on a visit

  • Allowing a stranger to hug the dog 

 
Successful certification provides:*
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluation
Two-year animal-assisted therapy certification
Identification as an animal-assisted therapy team of Four Paws and a Wake Up-NC
A unique vest or leash sleeve for your dog when on animal-assisted therapy visits
General and volunteer liability insurance coverage with $1,000,000 coverage and a supplement and supplement automobile liability
Support as questions arise working in the field
Invitations to group animal-assisted therapy events

Continue your training by becoming a certified R.E.A.D. Team
 
*certification fees additional at the successful completion of assessment; background verification required

Renewals
 
Are you a current Four Paws NC Therapy Team with an expiring certification?

Raleigh
If you are in the Raleigh area, email one of the instructors for renewal assessment.
Renee Clifton
Teamworks Dog Training

Assessment fees are set by and paid directly to the evaluator.
Complete the Team Renewal Form after the assessment and provide the information to Four Paws.

Wilmington
Email info@fourpawnc.org
The assessment fee in Wilmington is $25.

Certification fees are additional.

bottom of page