Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers, Inc.
Join the Team
Membership
Membership in SCCV offers a wide range of benefits to graduates of our outstanding Team Development program. In a program where our members may not see each other very often, we strive to provide communication and social gatherings that keep us in touch with each other and up to date on pet-therapy related news.
SCCV has an outstanding reputation within the community. Many of the facilities and events our volunteers visit are restricted to SCCV members because of our reputation for well-trained and well-behaved dogs and our emphasis on the safety of our dogs and the people they meet.
Member Benefits
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Team Development: The best team development program available for you and your dog, specifically tailored to pet therapy for already obedience-trained dogs.
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Guidance: A network of experienced members to offer advice and guidance after team development program completion to help you get started.
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Visiting Opportunities: Visiting multiple facilities where you can visit with people of all ages and states of health under SCCV auspices.
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Special Events: Community outreach activities at schools, colleges and conferences.
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Liability Insurance: At our approved facilities, should you ever need it.
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Newsletter: The “Scentinel,” keeping members in touch with each other, written to amuse and inform.
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Fellowship: Visit with other teams, celebrate new graduates, enjoy holidays, or participate in community outreach events.
Costs to Members
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New Member 2026 Processing/Application Fee: $35
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Annual Membership Dues 2026: $35 Single, $52.50 Family
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Annual Liability Insurance 2026: $35 first dog, $5 each additional dog
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Veterinary Fees: (variable) Associated with requirements for annual health certificate.
Requirements and Expectations
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Therapy Dogs must be 1 year old and the handler must have owned the dog for 6 months or more.
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Active members must report a minimum of 36 annual hours at approved, insured facilities or events.
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A health certificate signed by a veterinarian, must be renewed and submitted annually, for each therapy dog.
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Annual Dues and Insurance Fees must be paid yearly on or before May 1st of each year.
Help make a difference and sign up to learn how to become a therapy dog team!
Click here for the Membership Application
"The Read-To-The-Dogs program at the Belen Public Library is an absolute gem for our community! Reading out loud can sometimes feel intimidating for kids, but sitting next to a patient, non-judgmental furry friend changes everything. The Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteer registered therapy dogs are gentle, attentive listeners who sit quietly while children practice their reading skills at their own pace. Kids visibly relax, beam with pride, and gain self-assurance with every page turned. Beyond the literacy benefits, it is a joyful, heartwarming experience that brightens up the library every single week."
Sherry Baca, Children’s Librarian, Belen Public Library