Paws 4 Healing Animal-Assisted Therapy

How To Get Involved

Please consider the following:

To get involved in Pet Therapy you need to consider the following:

Does your animal have the right temperament for pet therapy? Temperament is probably the most important factor to consider. "Mellow" is a good way to describe most therapy animals. Your animal partner should enjoy visiting people it doesn’t know and be under control at all times. Your animal should not startle easily. Your animal must not be aggressive at all.

Does your animal have obedience training?
Another important factor to consider is obedience training. Pet therapy does not require competition level obedience, but the animal must be under your control at all times. This does not mean physical restraint. Your dog must demonstrate self-control.
How long have you had your animal?
Your animal partner must live in your home for at least 6 months and be at least 1 year old. Exceptions to this exist for different kinds of animals.
Volunteer handlers must be at least 10 years old. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must have written permission to participate.
Have you had training for AAA/T?
You must attend a Delta Society^® Pet Partners^® Team Training Course or complete the Pet Partners^® Team Training Course. This manual is available directly from Delta Society for $37.50

Has your animal completed a Veterinarian Health Screening?
Your animal must pass a health screening by your veterinarian. In addition, your pet must be free of parasites.
Schedule an evaluation with your Paws 4 Healing Chapter Coordinator.
Please note that only authorized Delta evaluators can administer the Pet Partners® tests. For more information about what an evaluation is, click here!
Send your membership paperwork to Delta Society^®
After your evaluation, send in your Pet Partner® application and evaluation to Delta Society^® along with the appropriate Pet Partner^® membership fee. In addition, you will send in a photo of you and your animal together for your ID card.
Order necessary Paws 4 Healing attire for you and your dog.
You will be required to wear a Paws 4 Healing shirt and your animal will wear a cape or bandana, depending on the species.
Schedule your first visit with your Paws 4 Healing Chapter Coordinator.
After you receive your Delta Society® Pet Partner® identification badge, animal ID card, and Paws 4 Healing cape you can schedule your first visit with the Paws 4 Healing Chapter Coordinator in your area. They will help you pick an appropriate facility to make your first visit at.

If you would like more information about getting involved with pet therapy,
please click here to complete our membership information form.

"Sharing The Unconditional Love Of Our Pets"

Paws 4 Healing, Inc. is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit California Corporation