Does my dog need a degree to do "pet therapy"?

Certainly not! A pet just needs to be well-behaved, caring and like people. Actually, the term "pet therapy" no longer is used. Instead, we prefer to call these animal-people interactions "animal-assisted programs" or AAP

Animal-assisted therapy, activities and education are all variations of AAP. You don'thave to be a therapist or other expert to be involved in AAP. Volunteers and their pets compose most AAP teams.

The following defines the different animal-assisted programs:

What do AAP teams do?

Many AAP teams visit hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and other facilities simply to cheer patients or residents. Some AAP sessions are prescribed by a doctor --
just like medicine.

Many AAP teams, under supervision of a licensed professional, work with patients toward specific treatment goals with results included in medical records.

Often a visit from an animal pushes a patient to work harder. For example, a child with severe burns may stretch painful skin more when petting a soft kitten.

Schools incorporate AAP teams to tutor students with reading problems or to help with behavior issues.

Even prisons use AAP to rehabilitate inmates.

What animals perform AAP services?

While dogs and cats are the most popular, any well-trained domestic animal may be involved in AAP.

Some groups only approve dogs. Others allow horses, pigs, birds, llamas, guinea pigs, rabbits and chickens! Most do not allow reptiles or turtles due to salmonella risks.

All animals must be healthy, friendly, reliable, controllable and predictable.

Animals must like petting, hugs and active environments. Pets must be able to deal with different walking surfaces, smells and sounds.

Many animals love people, enjoy petting and behave well in public, but do not make good AAP animals. In fact, some dogs who excel in the show or obedience ring are unsuited for AAP.

An animal's interest in the work and welfare must be top concerns.

Don't animals pose health risks?

While animals can spread some illnesses (called zoonoses), AAP teams are more likely to pick up “bugs” from the places they visit than the other way around!

AAP teams must follow strict guidelines. Animals must be bathed, groomed, teeth brushed and nails trimmed before their visits. Handlers must be appropriately dressed and cleanse hands after each client visit.

Clients are given antibiotic gel to wipe any area the animal touches.

Animals cannot visit when ill, after surgery, in heat, when stressed, have wounds or other health concerns.

AAP teams must follow all risk management requirements of the facilities they visit.

Therapy animals can go into stores and on planes -- right?

WRONG!!

A therapy animal is NOT an assistance (service) animal and does NOT have the same right to access public places.

Assistance or service animals are not pets. They are specially trained to meet specific needs of people with disabilities, and Federal law allows service animals into all public places just like wheelchairs.

Laws do NOT permit AAP animals into "no pet" areas except during sanctioned visits.

I have a puppy. When can I start?

Before visiting a facility, teams must be registered by one of the national AAP organizations, such as the Delta Society®, or by a recognized local group.

Handler training, animal temperament testing, team skills test, volunteer liability insurance and continuing education should be offered by the group.

Usually, pets must be at least one year old, live with the handler for at least 6 months and complete a vet’s health screening. Requirements may vary with the organization.

Research AAP before joining a group. Read books, attend an orientation or check AAP Web sites. Observing an experienced team during a visit may help you see if AAP is the right activity for you and your pet.

How do we become a registered AAP team?

PetShare requires volunteer AAP teams to be registered with Delta Society®'s Pet Partners®. Our licensed Delta instructors/evaluators offer high-quality training and assessments for potential AAP teams.

Handlers attend an 8-hour workshop and take a written test.

After the workshop, animal and handler do a 2-part evaluation to see how they work together in special settings:

The Pet Partners® Skills Test shows that the pet iswell-groomed, obeys commands, accepts handling and deals well with distractions.

The Pet Partners® Aptitude Test simulates real-life visit scenarios a team may encounter.

A team may not pass the first time and, occasionally, may be unsuitable for AAP.

Pets also need a health screening and proof of required shots.

Teams must retest every 2 years.

PetShare can help you become involved with AAP
Click below to find out how:

Click below for more information about

Delta Society®

Pet Partners® Workshops and Tests Schedule