Do you and your pet have what it takes to be a member of Companions for Courage?
We are always looking for qualified teams in Central Florida to join our organization. We assist in cases held in the 9th Judicial Circuit Court in Orange & Osceola Counties, the 5th Judicial Circuit in Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties, the 18th Judicial Circuit in Seminole & Brevard Counties, and the 10th Judicial Circuit Court in Polk County.
Companions for Courage is not for everyone.
Membership requires a great deal of dedication on the part of the handler, and only the best behaved animals are allowed into the courthouse. We’ve put together a list of requirements and expectations of our members.
Requirements:
- Handler and animal are required to be active members in a recognized Therapy Animal organization. Former and retired Service Dogs will be considered if they have become Therapy Animals.
- Handler and animal must have been an active Therapy Animal team for a minimum of two (2) years.
- In addition to our own insurance, the handler and animal must also be insured through their primary Therapy Animal organization.
- Handler must present a copy of the animal’s current Rabies vaccination, and a copy of a negative fecal test report with the application.
- Handler must undergo background check with local law enforcement.
- Animal must be good around all types of people from all walks of life, and must also be well behaved around other animals.
- Handler and animal must go through interview process with the CFC membership and the CFC animals.
- Handler must purchase and embroider blue dog vest/cape.
- Membership fee is a one-time $100 donation to Companions for Courage
Expectations:
- Handler and animal are expected to remain active members in a recognized Therapy Animal organization.
- All handlers must purchase and wear an appropriate Companions for Courage shirt or name tag.
- All animals must wear blue vest/cape with Companions for Courage embroidered on it. Animal names on the vest are optional.
- Teams must carry a copy of the CFC insurance, litter bags, and a 4’ leash at all times when working.
- Animals must always be clean, nails trimmed, and brushed.
- Handlers must always be clean and presentable.
- Handlers must always remain impartial in all situations without expressing opinions; political, religious or otherwise.
- Court cases and depositions contain very sensitive information and must be kept confidential.
- The process from deposition to the actual court cases can take months to come to completion, so members must be available and open to a changing schedule.
- Court cases and depositions are not scheduled on any regular basis, so there may be months with no activity.
- Companions for Courage is a volunteer organization. No one is compensated for their time and effort. (Some courts will allow for reimbursement of parking at the courthouse)
Apply
If you are interested in becoming a member of Companions for Courage, follow the link to the Membership Application and sign up!
