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Pet Partners' Position Statements

Upholding the highest standards for animal welfare, client safety and professionalism, Pet Partners proudly publishes a number of Position Statements approved by the Pet Partners Human Animal Bond Advisory Board.

A man pets a mini horse during a therapy animal visit.

A man pets a mini horse during a therapy animal visit.

Whisper the Mini horse

Position Statements

A therapy animal team visits a patient in a hospital.

Position Statement on Therapy Animal Health and Welfare

Our position on therapy animal health and welfare during animal-assisted interventions is centered on the concept of the handler being an animal’s best advocate.

Dog sits outside, wearing Pet Partners vest.

Position Statement on Public Access for Therapy Animals

While therapy animals are evaluated and registered for working with the public through a therapy animal organization, this does not give them any public access rights.

Black and white cat peers through shelter cage.

Position Statement on Shelter Animals as Therapy Animals

Adopted animals from shelters can make great therapy animals. A mature animal’s inherent temperament is fully formed and relatively stable.

Small dog loking at camera.

Position Statement on Therapy Dog Breeds

Pet Partners has extensive experience in evaluating therapy dog teams and has observed no breed differences in therapy dog effectiveness.

Man hugging dog while sitting on sofa.

Position Statement on Emotional Support Animals

When endorsed by the overseeing practitioner, ESAs may become registered therapy animals with Pet Partners if the handler-animal team can meet the standards for registration.