VIP Dog Teams

VIP Dog Teams mission is to train therapy dogs to react and respond to people and their environment, Two months later, VIP Dog Teams was born.

Camarillo Acorn August 12, 2016,

Woman starts nonprofit to train therapy and service dogs

 Training course will be offered next month
By Stephanie Sumell
[email protected]

Nancy Mitchell has long wanted to launch a nonproﬁt to train service and therapy dogs, but the demands of working, going to school and caring for her family meant she had little time for such a big endeavor. The Cam

arillo native, who is earning her master’s degree in nursing online, ﬁnally realized there would never be a perfect time to turn her ideas into action. The neonatal nurse’s change of heart came when she and her son, Nathan, 21, took their two Labradoodles to a career training program for young adults with special needs at the Rio Mesa High School campus in May. She said one of the female students was at ﬁrst very stand- ofﬁsh around the dogs but then began to pet and cuddle the friendly pooches.
“The psychologist and teacher said there was no way they thought she would even let the dog come near her, let alone touch him,” said Mitchell. That was the pivotal moment that pushed the 50-year-old to start her nonproﬁt. For now, the organization is helping train therapy dogs, but Mitchell said the goal is also to provide the much more stringent training required for canines to work as certiﬁed service dogs for people who have special needs in Ventura County and the surrounding areas. Service dogs are trained to assist their owners with everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors and retrieving out-of-reach items. Therapy dogs require less training than service dogs and have a very different function. Their owners bring them to hospitals, schools, hospices, nursing homes and other locations to provide emotional support and stress relief to those they interact with. Mitchell initially became interested in starting a nonproﬁt several years ago when her son, who has Down syndrome and takes courses through the career training program at Rio Mesa, told her he wanted a service dog he could bring to school with him. Mitchell learned that the closest organization that trained service dogs was in San Diego,
Little Angels Service Dogs. “There’s not a lot out there,”
she said. “We got on a waitlist that was about four years long.”
Katie Gonzalez, the director of Little Angels, said the non- proﬁt has about 100 people on its waiting list, about 80 percent of whom are from out of state. Gonzalez said there is a need for more organizations like Little Angels to meet the growing demand for service animals. A neighboring organization, Paws’itive Teams, trains service dogs speciﬁcally for individuals in San Diego County.
“There will never be enough service dog organizations,” Gonzalez said. Mitchell and her family adopted two Labradoodles, who they later decided were better suited to the work of therapy animals, not service dogs. The Labradoodles visit people at the Brookdale Camarillo senior living community, Pleasant Valley Hospital, and other facilities through the Pleasant Valley chapter of Love on a Leash. Love on a Leash coordinates opportunities for fully trained therapy dogs and their handlers to provide stress relief and emotional support to people in need. Mitchell said she looks forward to helping prepare dogs to serve, both as therapy and service dogs. VIP Dog Teams will offer a therapy prep class starting Sept. 10. Class sessions will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays at Beach Dog Fun on Verdugo Way. VIP Dog Teams will also work with dogs and handlers seeking to volunteer through nonproﬁts similar to Love on a Leash.
“Therapy dogs must have basic obedience training, enjoy the attention people give them and be really good around other dogs. Any dog that has the right temperament can do it,” Mitchell said of the six-week course. But the class is just the beginning. Mitchell is in talks with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce about possibly starting a program where inmates help train service dogs. The inmates, she said, would train shelter puppies for about a year and a half before the nonprofit provides the dogs with more specialized training. The goal is for the dogs to pass a public access test and other requirements outlined by Assistance Dogs International.
“I think a lot of good can come from this,” she said. Mitchell isn’t alone. Betty Bright-Martinez, the vice president of the nonproﬁt’s board of directors, worked as a counselor at Rio Mesa High School before she retired. The Camarillo resident said she has a soft spot for children and adults with special needs, so becoming involved with VIP Dog Teams was a natural ﬁt.
“I have a nephew who has Down syndrome, and I love dogs,” she said. “I can deﬁnitely see the purpose for an organization like this and what we are trying to accomplish.
“We’re very excited about our new endeavor, and we are hoping eventually to help many people in the community.”
Mitchell also has high hopes for the nonproﬁt.
“Everything is falling into place,” she said. “We deﬁnitely want this to grow.”
Those interested in learning more about VIP Dog Teams or signing up for the first training class can visit www.vipdogteams.org or email [email protected].

01/30/2025

Building confidence, one page at a time! Our VIP dog teams therapy dogs are making a difference by encouraging students to read aloud, helping them build confidence in a relaxed and supportive environment. A wagging tail and a listening ear can make all the difference!

01/28/2025

Mitch, VIP School facility dog is happy to help his school friends.💚

01/23/2025

A huge thank you to our village! Our VIP dog team’s community handlers came together for the human side of training, and what an amazing group of caring, compassionate individuals they are! Their dedication makes all the difference in bringing comfort and support to those who need it most. Are you interested in becoming a certified therapy team with your dog? Visit our website to learn more about this rewarding journey. www.vipdogteams.org

01/21/2025

Only 1 spot left in our upcoming Therapy Prep class. Class start THIS Saturday in Camarillo from 9-10. Sign up TODAY!! Are you ready to become a therapy team with your dog? Go to vipdogteams.org/therapy-dog-training to learn more.

01/17/2025

Today, VIP therapy dogs Marley,Jack & Brady teamed up with a reading resource teacher to inspire young readers! Students practiced reading aloud while enjoying the calming presence of our therapy dogs. Petting a dog while reading not only makes the experience fun, but also helps build confidence and self-esteem. Because sometimes, a furry friend is all you need to find your voice!💚🐶

01/13/2025

“There are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.” - Doris Day
We are so grateful for regular visits from … like this recent drop-in from “Jack”.
This partnership was made possible by our peer support team and the Oxnard Police Community Foundation. Thank you peer support, OPCF, and VIP Dog Teams for your love and support of the OXPD Family!

01/07/2025

Jack, our VIP certified community therapy dog is spending time with our brave police officers today. His wagging tail and comforting presence remind us all of the power of connection and support. Thank you to all our heroes in uniform for all that you do – Jack is here to bring a little extra joy to your day.

01/02/2025

New year, new opportunities. Are you ready to become a therapy team with your dog? Go to vipdogteams.org/therapy-dog-training to learn more.

12/30/2024

Have you wondered what a therapy dog does? How do YOU become a therapy team? Watch this excellent video and have all your questions answered. https://youtu.be/hXa0nDf2Dqw
Then head over to our website to sign up for our next Therapy Prep class https://vipdogteams.org/therapy-dog-training

What is a Therapy Dog Team? ANd what do they do? How do I become a therapy dog team?? Watch and see all the answers@VIP Dog Teams Youtube

12/29/2024

Grooming lessons today! Table manners is an important part of training, especially for a doodle. Thanks again to Brigitte for getting these puppies and their people off to a great start. ***y

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas to all

12/19/2024

Volunteers are why our nonprofit works! Thank you to Brigitte, our wonderful volunteer groomer for transforming Sydney! And thank you to our volunteer puppy raiser who is raising Sydney! If you have a talent and would like to volunteer we’d love to hear from you. [email protected]

12/18/2024

Are you ready to make your first news years resolution? Start this year off by becoming a therapy Team with your dog and make a difference in our community. New Therapy Prep class opens today!

Discover VIP Dog Training's Therapy Dog Program, designed to prepare you and your dog for therapy dog certification. Our 6-week course focuses on goal-oriented therapy, guiding you through the process to become a certified therapy dog team. Learn more and start your journey today!

12/13/2024

Puppy, Loli now Dolly checking in. She is settling in nicely with her new family! Dolly is in training to become a therapy dog as well as being a hopeful future mama.

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving 🍁 from all our little turkeys! We are So Thankful to all our VIP families!

11/22/2024

Jack,VIP Community therapy dog, made a visit with his handler Jill. They support those who protect us!

11/14/2024

What a big day for the pups! Vet check and shots✅ baths✅ These pups are healthy and clean.

Address

P O BOX 973
Camarillo, CA
93011

Telephone

+18054190677

Website

http://www.vipdogteams.org/

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Videos

Happy New Year from VIP Dog Teams!🥳Thank you to our village of volunteers, we couldn’t do it without you 😘. We have more great things coming in 2025!👏#happynewyear #vip #dogteams #facilitydog #therapydog #puppylove #positivevibes #positivetraining #puppies #volunteer #ittakesavillage #grateful #peersupport @vipdogteams

Riggs, rocking his training! From mat duration to loose leash walking to distractions! What a good boy! All those puppies are VERY distracting!🤩superstar pup! #facilitydog #firedog #peersupport #intraining #rockstar #puppy #puppylove #puppiesofinstagram #positivetraining #oxnardfiredepartment @vipdogteams

Murphy and Christmas, what a perfect combination. Murphy and his handler Bonnie are so generous with their time. Giving the gift of comfort and love by having a School Facility Dog!#thankyou #school #facilitydog #facilitydogsofinstagram #workingdog #therapydog #helpful #giving #grateful #seasonofgiving @vipdogteams

Can you train a puppy to be calm??? ABSOLUTELY 💯 reward what you like, ignore what you don’t. 👏💚🐶#positivetraining #calm #puppy #puppylove #puppiesofinstagram #goldendoodle #goldendoodlepuppy #lifeisgoldenwithadoodle #positivethoughts #positivevibes #ilovemypuppy #workingdog #facilitydog #therapydog #intraining @vipdogteams

Excellent interview on the importance of Facility/therapy dogs in peer support. Hudson and all other facility dogs that help our heroes!#facilitydog #therapydog #positivevibes #mountainfire #peersupport #mentalhealthmatters @vipdogteams

Huge, thanks to the Oxnard Police Department and the City of Oxnard for their generous donation to Vip Dog Teams. Your support will help us train more Therapy Dog to serve and uplift our community. Together, we’re making a positive impact!💚🐶#community #love #therapydogs #peersupport #thankyou #grateful #communitysupport

What could be better than reading with Therapy Dogs?These kiddos @bgc_camarillo get to cozy up with a good book and a gentle pup for the ultimate relaxation combo. Pup club is a heartwarming experience where stories come to life with the best non-judgmental reading buddies around. Confidence builder for sure. #readingisfun #pupclub #reading #therapydog #therapydogsofinstagram #confidence #positivity #ember #goldenretriever #dez #indy #jack #labradorretriever #marley #aussie #brady #ald #harry #doubledoodle @vipdogteams

Last day of summer school for Mr.Murphy, school facility dog. #murphy #australianlabradoodlesofinsta #ald #dood #cutie #gooddog #school #facilitydog #facilitydogsofinstagram @vipdogteams

Pup Club, summer time reading fun@boysgirlsclubofcamarillo with VIP Dog Teams therapy dogs!🥰#readingisfun #summertime #reading #pup #club #fun #therapydog #therapydogsofinstagram #grateful #volunteering #volunteersrock #sully #ember#goldenretriever #mia #australianlabradoodle #indy #dez #labradorretriever #mitch goldendoodle #therapydogsrock #summertimefun @vipdogteams

A summer time visit to Ventura County Human Services to say THANK YOU for all the wonderful support you give our community!#grateful #thankyou #socialwork #socialworkersrock #nursesrock #therapydog #therapydogsofinstagram #therapydogsrock #volunteer #ittakesavillage #workingdogs @vipdogteams

Rio & Winston, the boys from the World Traveler litter made their first “ in training “ therapy visit today! Looks like we may have future therapy & facility dogs here.🤞#futureisbright #future #therapydog #facilitydog #faciltydogsofinstagram #australianlabradoodle #puppies #puppyraiser #puppylife #winston #rio #mymamma #mia #pappa #murphy @vipdogteams

Congrats to Mitch & Ms.Kasso! Every 2 years VIP Dogs must recertify for facility dog and PAT (public access testing). Team M& M did it again!👏 This will make alot of elementary students SO happy 😁. Mitch too, he loves his job!#school #facilitydog #facilitydogsofinstagram #workingdog #happy #hardworking #positivevibes #positivetraining #grateful @vipdogteams