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
  • 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
  • In the News
    • Therapy Animal Tales

      Read about the great work our teams are doing out in the field and stay up to date on what’s happening with the North Star Therapy Animals organization.

      Have a great story to share? Send us a note and let us know!

    • In the News

      • In the News
  • 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

2 days ago

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners
A perfect summer night in Shakopee, MN City Government #barkintheparkThank you Mary, Cheryl and Maggie for spreading the word on what #therapyanimals do! ... See MoreSee Less

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North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners

2 days ago

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners
A perfect summer night in Shakopee, MN City Government #barkintheparkThank you Mary, Cheryl and Maggie for spreading the word on what #therapyanimals do! ... See MoreSee Less

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North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners

3 days ago

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners
This North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners dog, BiBi went 'gravie' over a new friend Gravie at Gravie today.Even Health Benefits experts need a little animal love at work! ... See MoreSee Less

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North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners

7 days ago

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners
A successful Read to a Breed event at Southdale Center on Saturday! Despite the beautiful outdoor weather, many kids came to the mall to read to and/or visit Abby, Attax, Bergen, Dash, Izzy, Maddie, Millie, Opal, Oslo and Pushkin.#Happymomsday ... See MoreSee Less

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North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners

2 weeks ago

North Star Therapy Animals of Pet Partners
On Saturday, May 10 you can visit with 10 registered therapy animals at Southdale Center. - Children ages 3+ can read to an animal - Pet owners can learn about volunteering Anyone can come and experience the comfort and joy of spending time with and petting a cuddly and loving therapy animal. Our PPet Partnersregistered therapy animals volunteer at schools, libraries, hospitals, care centers and more.Meet us outside the Apple Store on level one! ... See MoreSee Less

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All North Star Therapy Animals are registered with Pet Partners.

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