Volunteering in therapy dog work (incl. training for therapy dog teams)
Bayerisches Rotes Kreuz - Kreisverband München
- Disabled People
- Families
- Homeless People
- Kids & Teenagers
- Migrants & Refugees
- Seniors
- Equal Opportunities
- Mentoring, Sponsoring & Career Coaching
- Sports & Leisure Activities
About the volunteering opportunity
An offer for anyone who would like to volunteer with their dog in social institutions. The aim is successful, qualified training as a therapy dog team.
A therapy dog team consists of a trained and certified therapy dog and
"its" human. They visit facilities and services for the elderly (e.g.
Retirement homes), single people in need of care, people with disabilities,
Facilities such as family centers or schools.
In 2026, we will be offering our qualified training as a therapy dog team for the first time in Munich
in Munich.
A therapy dog team consists of a trained and certified therapy dog and
"its" human. They visit facilities and services for the elderly (e.g.
Retirement homes), single people in need of care, people with disabilities,
Facilities such as family centers or schools.
In 2026, we will be offering our qualified training as a therapy dog team for the first time in Munich
in Munich.
Your Tasks
Our dog teams can be tension-relievers, need-revealers and bridge-builders. As they have no prejudices or defenses due to fear of vulnerability, they can teach us to accept a life situation (e.g. an incurable illness) and to open up to ourselves as well as to others. Other factors why it is worth working with therapy dogs:
- They create sensory and movement stimuli.
- They enable social contact with people and animals.
- They teach children how to interact with dogs in a species-appropriate way.
- They make it easier to express feelings.
- They bring variety into everyday life
- They create physical contact.
- They help to reduce loneliness.
- They promote cognitive and motor skills.
- They give pure joy.
- They increase self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Animals accept people for who they are.
What's needed
For this volunteering opportunity, advanced German skills are required.
Requirements for the dog:
- at least 2 years old and not older than 7 years at the time of testing
- Dogs that are considered dangerous according to the danger prevention regulations in Bavaria are not permitted
- Disclaimer from the BRK for damage to the dog
- veterinary health certificate incl. negative fecal sample
- Vaccination certificate with all necessary vaccinations
- Proof of private animal liability insurance
- Ability to walk on a lead
- Subordination and basic obedience
Requirements for humans:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Extended certificate of good conduct (not older than 6 months)
- First aid course completed
- Red Cross introductory seminar (online, information after participant confirmation)
- Proof of measles vaccination or immunity
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Extended certificate of good conduct (not older than 6 months)
- Completed first aid course
- Red Cross introductory seminar (online, information after participant confirmation)
- Proof of measles vaccination or immunity
Time required
Regularly
Discussed individually
The time spent with the dog in a social institution can be arranged individually (e.g. once a week, once a month, etc.), but the dog teams must first undergo the necessary training.
We are offering a one-off training course for therapy dog teams in the Munich district association in 2026.
We are offering a one-off training course for therapy dog teams in the Munich district association in 2026.
Training dates:
1. Module incl. aptitude test: | 20. - 21.06.2026
2. Module | 19. - 20.09.2026
3. Module | 03. - 04.10.2026
4. Module incl. practical/theory exam: | 17 - 18.10.2026
As well as 5 online appointments of 2 hours each between the modules
2. Module | 19. - 20.09.2026
3. Module | 03. - 04.10.2026
4. Module incl. practical/theory exam: | 17 - 18.10.2026
As well as 5 online appointments of 2 hours each between the modules
Important notice
What does it mean to be a therapy dog team
- Honorary work
- Intensive preparation for the assignments as a team (human and dog) during training
- Regular further training
- Regular meetings to exchange experiences
- Insurance cover via the BRK
- Free membership of the BRK
Location
Bayerisches Rotes Kreuz - Kreisverband München
We are there where other people need help!
The Red Cross rescues people, helps in emergencies, provides a community, stands by socially disadvantaged people and watches over international humanitarian law - in Germany and around the world.
The BRK-Kreisverband München works in this sense and is there where other people need help and support.