Health Heelers Co-Founder, Therapy Dog Savard

Share the love your pet gives with others. ~ Volunteer With Your Pet!

Some domestic dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, horses and birds can become therapy animals. The chances are very much about their social behavior and other personality traits, and less about skills or obedience; which can be taught. Interestingly, the Therapy Animal role actually requires some rather unique behaviors that aren’t typical of many friendly, lovely pets. For this reason, I offer screenings to provide expert insight into the potential and readiness you and your pet have to become a therapy animal team. I also offer two levels of classes for people and pets. Learn more~

  • My free screenings are objective, informed, non-judgmental assessments of personality traits, interaction style, and skills. Screenings help identify your best next-steps to becoming a Therapy Animal Team. A Screening is needed prior to enrolling in Health Heelers classes to determine readiness and the most suitable placement. SCREENINGS ARE BEING OFFERED THROUGH AUGUST 2025. Next date is TUESDAY, JULY 29 in Menomonee Falls, WI. If you’re interested in a Screening, please review the SCREENING CRITERIA.

    • Dogs and cats must be at least 9 months old.

    • Animals must be exceptionally sociable and friendly with unfamiliar people without displaying apprehension or shyness.

    • Animals should be comfortable wearing a standard collar or harness, on leash, and riding in the car. 

    • Animals must be comfortable in new places and around unfamiliar objects.

    • Dogs should respond to basic cues without treats, with at least 70% reliability.

    • Animals must be polite in the company of other animals.

    If your pet meets these criteria, request your personal screening BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1. 2025 by submitting an APPLICATION.

  • If your pet meets the Screening Criteria, is well-adjusted and has a stable temperament you may submit an APPLICATION to request your private 40-minute Screening. (APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH AUGUST 2025).

    Screenings by appointment in Menomonee Falls, WI.

  • Health Heelers classes greatly increase your chance of success in the Pet Partners evaluation. Students say Health Heelers classes were the best part of their preparation! I offer two levels of Therapy Animal Classes to foster your pet's positive attributes and build your team skills. Classes are for dogs, cats, bunnies, horses and others!

    PRE Therapy Animal Class: For those not quite ready for the rigors of the Therapy Animal Team Class, and for guardians wanting to improve pets’ skills, confidence, or focus, we’ll work precisely on the areas you and your pet need to work on. A great step to prepare for the Therapy Animal Team Class, or to simply enhance your pet’s day to day successes and quality of life. Each class is highly customized to meet individual students’ needs.

    Therapy Animal Team Class: This advanced and rigorous class helps you and your pet prepare for success in the Pet Partners evaluation.

    CLASSES BEING OFFERED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2025 in Menomonee Falls, WI.

    Final PRE Class Dates: three Tuesdays beginning September 9, 2025 or three Wednesdays beginning September 10, 2025.

    Final Therapy Animal Team Class Dates: four Tuesdays beginning September 9, 2025 or four Wednesdays beginning September 10, 2025.