Animal Chaplain/ Animal Ministry Leader Training Course
Step One - The Application
(Cut and paste into a document and return by email or regular mail. Please attach extra sheets of paper if you need more room.)
Professional Title and Name:
Address: (For membership purposes only. Your home address will not be listed on the website.
Area of Residence / Locations served (this will be on the website):
Ordained by (if applicable) and date (If you are ordained before completing this course, your diploma will read, "Animal Chaplain". If not, it will read, "Animal Ministry Leader"):
Affiliated with which spiritual denomination or religious entity, and how:
Education:
Professional background/ summary of employment history. What kind of work have you done previously?
(this will not be listed on the website unless it is relevant to being an Animal Chaplain or Animal Ministry leader):
Have you ever beenn convicted of a felony? Please describe and give dates. (This does not preclude you, necessarily. We need to know about your legal status in regard to working with adults and children.)
List two non-family references who can speak to your personal relationship with animals and children:
To contact: Telephone:
E-mail:
Website:
Additional information you would like us to know:
Why would you like to become an Animal Chaplain or Animal Ministry Leader?
What kind of Animal Ministry do you intend to offer?
Please describe the services you intend to provide:
Fees?
How will you respond to the questions we get most often, which are, "Do animals have souls?" and "Do animals go to heaven?" (Note: Your answers will depend on your personal theology. We are not looking for right answers here, but "right relations" such as kindness, compassion, sensitivity, etc. If you need additional room, please attach a separate piece of paper. Remember - this question is often asked by young children. Short answers may be best.)
Have you ever witnessed an animal Euthanasia? How do you feel about it? Please describe:
What will you do if your client/customer/parishioner disagrees with you theologically to that question? How will you handle it?
Pledge (Circle your response)
I pledge to respect and honor all people regardless of race, religion, national origin, faith practices, personal beliefs, sexual orientations, and all other aspects. Each person will be treated with the same dignity and courtesy, no matter who they are.
YES / NO
I am willing to provide personal and/or professional references upon request.
YES / NO
I promise that the information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
YES / NO
I agree to enter into this covenant of professionals, and will uphold the highest standards of integrity, honor and professionalism. I am joining as a member of this esteemed organization in the spirit of brotherhood/sisterhood, peace and tolerance for all, and with a commitment to interfaith respect. I promise to treat all creatures, including humans, with empathy, kindness, and compassion. My personal profile information is forthright and honest. I promise to work with children only in the presence of other adults, AT ALL TIMES.
YES/NO
I am not joining to proselytize my own personal beliefs, but to honor and accept the individual beliefs and spirituality of others, and to comfort those who are grieving, when appropriate. If any of the beliefs and requests of my clients interferes with my own personal standards, I will politely decline their business and refer them back to Interfaith Animal Clergy, so they may choose another Officiant who can help them.
YES/NO
I promise to maintain my client or parishioner's confidentiality at all times. Information that is given to me by the people I serve will be held in strictest confidence, unless the information received indicates a potential serious bodily harm to any person or animal. If someone is in serious and immediate physical danger, I will contact the local authorities where I live, if necessary. When in doubt, I will contact Interfaith Animal Clergy for suggestions on how to resolve my conflict.
Signature and Date:___________________________________________________________
Check-list: Have I enclosed:
Thorough and accurate contact information?
Completed Application?
Copy of Certificate of Ordination?
Coursework sheets completed? (Coursework sheets can be completed before application is reviewed and sent with the application, Or within one year after the application is accepted).
Tuition check for $95 (must be received with application)
Additional Voluntary contribution (not necessary, but always appreciated.)
Note: We will notify you when your application has been received and accepted. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of mailing your application, please feel free to call us at 303-766-3123.
