You and your pet have something special to share! Many people want to certify their amazing pets as therapy animals. At Pet Partners, we will register you as a therapy animal team. This means you and your pet meet the highest standards for safe, friendly visits.
After paying your fee, your team will be registered with Pet Partners. Some organizations call this “therapy animal certification,” but we call it Registration, which ensures teams meet gold-standard preparation and safety requirements.
The key to safe, effective visits is the training for the “human end of the leash”– you. The Handler Training is not a therapy animal or therapy dog course on how to handle your pet. Instead, you’ll learn your responsibilities and expectations for successfully volunteering as a Pet Partners handler in any facility you wish to visit.
If you’re already thinking about pursuing animal training, good for you! But don’t forget, you – the handler – needs your own education to get registered. From best practices on visits to how to prepare for your evaluation, the Pet Partners Handler Course can be taken either in person, if a volunteer instructor lives in your area, or online. The in-person workshop is a great opportunity to ask questions of an experienced Pet Partners volunteer and make connections in your local community. However, there might not always be a course in your area at a time that works in your schedule, so the online course is a great alternative.
You must complete and pass either the online or in-person Handler Training before attending your team evaluation. The online Handler Training fee is $80.
Our Animal Health Screening form will be signed by your veterinarian, confirming that your animal is healthy and able to participate in the program. The form is available as part of your online registration process. Only the official Pet Partners Animal Health Screening form is acceptable documentation to meet this requirement.
The team evaluation is a simulated therapy animal visit conducted by a Pet Partners volunteer team evaluator. The therapy animal or therapy dog training you have worked on with your pet will help you and your pet be successful. There are three ways to find and schedule your evaluation:
Our goal is to ensure every team that wants an evaluation can receive one! You must complete and pass your Handler Course before the date of your team evaluation.
Simply contact us and we’ll connect you with a local team evaluator. The fee for a team evaluation typically ranges from $15-$30.
To finish up, complete a background check via an email request from the Advocates at Sterling Volunteers on behalf of Pet Partners. The background check cost is included in your initial registration or registration renewal fee. There is no additional cost.
Your registration fee covers two years of volunteerism with Pet Partners, including your insurance coverage, background check, free or discounted continuing education, access to resources, and support from our amazing staff. Pet Partners is committed to keeping volunteerism as accessible as possible, so your fee covers only a portion of the true cost to volunteer. Pet Partners relies on charitable donations and sponsorships to make this program possible.
The registration fee for first-time registrations is $95. There are some discounts available. See our Fees page for more information.
Please contact us with any questions about volunteering with your pet as a therapy dog or other therapy animal or if you need assistance with the registration process.Contact
If you still have questions about the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program, review our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
