Alliance of Therapy Dogs

Thank you for choosing to spend your time volunteering with us.  Before you can proceed with testing, there’s just one more step: your background check. We have chosen Sterling Volunteers as our background screening partner. In order to place your background check order, fill out the form on the right to register with Sterling Volunteers. Then you’ll be able to order your check in just 4 easy steps (less than 5 minutes!). We’ll get the results of your check back in a few days.  Once we review it and notify you that you are eligible to proceed with testing, you can reach out to your tester/observer and schedule your test. 

*You will not create an account for ATD until you have completed the entire registration process and have been assigned a member number.

No applicant with a felony on record will be considered if the felony is less than five years old or if the applicant is on probation. The applicant may apply for consideration when five years have elapsed from the sentencing of the felony or after successful completion of probation, whichever is longer. All felony applicants must show a pattern of rehabilitation with no additional felony or misdemeanor charges in the time since their felony conviction.


Communication regarding your background check will come from “theadvocates@verifiedvolunteers.com”.  Occasionally emails from this address are routed to junk/spam folders by your mail system. Please make sure to check those folders if you have not received an email within 24-48 hours. 

A Quick Note About Security

By the way, with Sterling Volunteers you can be rest assured that your information is safe. All data is encrypted and is stored in a completely secure environment. If you have any questions or concerns about Sterling Volunteers’ security measures, feel free to contact them at theadvocates@fadv.com or 855-326-1860 Option 1.