North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners

Therapy Animal Services in Minnesota

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  • Who We Are
    • Therapy Animal Stars

      We are a group of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about therapy animal services and benefits they bring to individuals in our communities.

    • Who We Are

      • Our Story
      • Our Mission
      • Our Services
      • Meet Our Stars
      • Facilities We Visit
      • In the News
  • Become a Team
    • Wanted! More Teams

      We are looking for more therapy animal teams to join us. If you are interested in forming wonderful friendships, making treasured memories & finding personal fulfillment then you are in the right place!

    • Become a Team

      • Getting Started
      • Membership
      • FAQ
  • Our Animals
    • Leaving Paw Prints

      A therapy animal is a specially trained animal that partners with its human handler to volunteer at a variety of facilities and events, bringing joy, comfort, and companionship to those they meet.

    • Our Animals

      • Meet Our Stars
      • What is a therapy animal?
      • Who Uses Therapy Animal Services?
      • FAQ
  • Request a Visit
    • We’d Love To Visit!

      Invite us over to bring happiness, companionship and courage to the people you work with.

    • Request a Visit

      • Request a Visit
      • Facilities We Visit
      • Our Services
  • Members
    • Membership Has Benefits

      Being a North Star Therapy Animal member has many benefits. You witness people make amazing transformations, your relationship with your animal grows and you also get to see what’s in this section!

    • Members

      • Member Login
  • Contact
    • Hello There!

      Want to learn more about North Star Therapy Animals? Fill out the contact form and we will get back to you.

    • Contact Us

      • Contact Form
      • Request a Visit
      • Become a Member
  • Crisis Response

Getting Started

Step 1: Sign up for a therapy animal training class in your area. (optional but recommended)

Below is a list of local training schools that have offered Therapy Animal Programs/classes in the past.  This list is not exhaustive nor does it represent an endorsement by NSTA. CLICK HERE for current class schedules.

  • Agile Canines
  • All Breed Obedience – Woodbury
  • Animal Humane Society – Golden Valley
  • Animal Inn – Lake Elmo
  • Animal Inspirations – Hutchinson
  • Bloomington Obedience Training Club – Bloomington
  • Cloud Nine – Maple Grove
  • Paws Inn Resort – New Germany
  • PetSmart – Eden Prairie
  • TCOTC – Minneapolis

Step 2: Complete the Pet Partners® Therapy Animal Handler registration process

North Star Therapy Animals uses only registered Pet Partners® therapy animal teams. Pet Partners® is a nationally recognized organization that has established rigorous standards for both animals and their human handlers. By requiring North Star Therapy Animals teams to be registered with Pet Partners®, we ensure safe and effective therapy animal visits in our community. Read more about the Pet Partners® process.

Step 3: Become a North Star Therapy Animals member.

Become a member of North Star Therapy Animals and select from a large number of established facilities requesting therapy animal teams. North Star Therapy Animals membership provides networking, shadowing, and educational opportunities to help get you started.

Register for a Membership

HENRY ELIOPOULOS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

$300 Youth Scholarship.

Financial Grants Available to Support 18 Year and Under Handlers

Scholarship Funds Cover Training Costs and Registration Expenditures

Priority Will be Given to Rats, Small Animals and Non-Canine Teams

Apply Online – Application Forms Available here NSTA Henry E Youth Scholarship Application032321

Any Questions:  Use Contact Us Form

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners

5 days ago

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners
Join us at Minnesota State Fair this Saturday, August 23 and meet nine of our lovable #therapydogs. They come in all breed, shapes and sizes but have one thing in common: Unconditional Love! ... See MoreSee Less

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North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners

6 days ago

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners
Thank you, Greta & Wayne, for the important work you do to bring smiles to countless individuals in the Twin Cities metro! Pet Partners #therapydog #therapyanimals #gooddog ... See MoreSee Less

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North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners

1 week ago

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners
See you at the fair! ... See MoreSee Less

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North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners

2 weeks ago

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners
Our featured volunteer, the lovable Murphy, often receives comments that his paws are so big! He loves to place those big paws in your hand to show his affection. Thanks, Murphy & handler Lynn Loynachan for the important work you do! We're so grateful for you both.Pet Partners Pet Partners Therapy Animal Community North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners #therapyanimals #therapydog #goldendoodle ... See MoreSee Less

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North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners

3 weeks ago

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners
Meet Flora! She's our featured volunteer of the week! She's 7 1/2 years young and loves bringing joy to people with her calm and assuring presence. Thanks, Flora and Karen, for the important worPet Partnerst North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partnerst#therapydogt#therapyanimalsa#scottishterrierishterrier ... See MoreSee Less

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All North Star Therapy Animals are registered with Pet Partners.

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