2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Is your animal on a Raw Protein diet?
   Pet Partners^® animals may not be fed a raw protein diet. Animals previously fed a raw protein diet must be off that diet for at least four weeks before registering with Pet Partners^®.  Please visit the Pet Partners^® site to learn more about the Pet Partners^® raw protein diet policy.

5. 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.

6. Have you had training for AAA/T?
   You must attend a Pet Partners^® Handler Workshop or complete the online Pet Partners^® Therapy Animal Handler Course.
   
   To find a Pet Partners^® Handler Workshop, check the Courses and Evaluations calendar on the Pet Partners^® website. To find a Pet Partners^® Handler Workshop offered through Paws 4 Healing, check our Event Calendar.

Click here to find out about registering for and taking the
Online Pet Partners® Therapy Handler Course

7. 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.

8. Schedule an evaluation with your Paws 4 Healing Chapter Coordinator.
   Please note that only authorized Pet Partners^® evaluators can administer the Pet Partners^® tests.  Evaluations are $25 payable to Paws 4 Healing.  For more information about what an evaluation is, click here!

9. Send your membership paperwork to Pet Partners^®
   After your evaluation, send in your Pet Partners^® application and evaluation to Pet Partners^® along with the appropriate Pet Partners^® membership fee.  In addition, you will send in a photo of you and your animal together for your ID card.

10. 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.

11. Schedule your first visit with your Paws 4 Healing Chapter Coordinator.
    After you receive your Pet Partners^® identification badge, animal ID tag, 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.

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