FAQs

What are the steps my animal and I must take to become a Therapy Partners Team?

  • Pass AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test (dogs only)

  • Take Therapy Partners Prep Class

  • Pass Therapy Partners Temperament Assessment

  • Successfully complete Pet Partners Online Handler Course

  • Pass Pet Partners Evaluation

  • Complete Therapy Partners Intern Orientation

  • Observe three Therapy Partners teams at work

  • Complete supervised team visit(s) at the Senior Center

What are the requirements for the animal?

  • Animals must be one year old, six months for rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats.

  • Animals must welcome, not just tolerate, interaction with people.

  • Dogs, cats, rabbits, and pigs must be spayed or neutered. The exception is if your dog has earned the AKC or UKC conformation Champion title.

  • Animals must have lived with the handler for a minimum of six months, one year for birds.

  • Have no history of aggression or causing serious injury to other people or pets, including bite or protection training.