What to Expect on a Therapy Animal Visit
04/04/2025
More Than a Walk in the Park
The moment you and your pet have been waiting for has arrived: it’s time for your first pet therapy visit! These visits are at the heart of the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program. Your pet brings comfort, connection and healing to people in need.
As a Pet Partners handler, you can visit any facility that welcomes therapy animals—you’re not limited to a specific list. If you already know a teacher, nurse or staff member who would love to host your team, you’re welcome to reach out and coordinate directly.
If you’re not sure where to start, your local Community Partner can point you in the right direction. Registered volunteers also have access to the Volunteer Opportunities Directory, where you can find visit requests from across the country. And if you or a facility have questions, our team is always here to support you.
Once you’ve registered as a team and found a facility to visit, you’ve already taken the most important first steps. But your journey is just beginning.
A successful animal therapy visit takes more than showing up. Preparation plays a key role in making visits safe, meaningful and enjoyable for everyone involved—your pet, the people you visit and you as the handler. In the rest of this post, we’ll walk you through what to expect on that first visit and how to set your team up for success.
1. Preparing for Your Visit
Just like packing your bag for work, you’ll want to bring essential tools for both you and your pet.
What to Bring
- Identification and Documents: Bring your Pet Partners registration letter or valid ID badge, along with your animal’s health records.
- Cleaning and Grooming Supplies: Items like pet waste bags, hand sanitizer, brushes and towels help keep everyone safe and comfortable.
- Food, Water, and Toys: Visits can last up to two hours. Your pet may need water, a snack and a quiet distraction during breaks. Check with the facility beforehand about any food restrictions.
- Pet Equipment: Be sure to use the equipment your pet was evaluated in. All Acceptable Equipment is listed in the Pet Partners Resource Library. Always keep the leash in your hands. Never tie it to furniture or people.
Dress for Success
Looking professional helps inspire confidence in staff and clients alike.
- For Handlers: Choose clean, comfortable, professional clothing. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety. Check with the facility’s volunteer coordinator or handbook for specific dress code expectations.
- For Pets: Bathe your pet within 24 hours of the visit. Clean their ears, eyes, and mouth. A fresh, well-groomed appearance helps clients feel more comfortable engaging with your animal.
Before entering the facility, give your pet a bathroom break and take a moment to reset together. Creating a pre-visit ritual can help your team get into a calm and focused mindset.
2. What Happens During a Visit
Therapy animal visits are deeply rewarding—but no two visits are the same. One moment you might be watching a child light up as they read to your dog; the next, you’re navigating a crowded hallway or comforting someone in emotional distress.
That’s why your role as the handler is just as essential as your pet’s.
First Impressions Matter
Your visit begins the moment you arrive (even before you walk through the door!). Staff, visitors, and clients may be watching how your team presents itself. Your calm energy, confidence, and connection to your pet helps set the tone.
At check-in, greet staff, ask about any updates or special circumstances to be aware of, and let them know if your pet needs time to settle in. If necessary, find a quiet spot to help your pet adjust before entering.
The Three-Part Visit Framework
Every successful visit follows a rhythm. At Pet Partners, we consider visits to have three parts: Approach, Engagement, and Exit. Mastering this flow helps your pet feel secure, sets the tone for each interaction, and ensures everyone leaves feeling uplifted.
- Approach: Pause and assess the environment. Make eye contact with your pet and the people in the room. Ask for permission before approaching, and if your pet seems unsure, give them space and time to adjust.
- Engagement: This is the heart of the visit. Guide conversations, monitor your pet’s comfort and model appropriate interactions. Use PETS™ (Presence, Eye contact, Touch and Speech) to stay connected to your animal and engaged with the people you’re visiting.
- Example: If a child hugs your dog too tightly, you might say, “He loves gentle pets like this,” while demonstrating the motion. This helps both the child and your dog feel successful.
- Exit: Wrap up visits on a high note. If your pet shows signs of fatigue—yawning, looking away, or disengaging—it’s OK to end early. Try, “Thanks so much for spending time with us today,” and offer your pet a reassuring touch before leaving.
Remember: you are not just along for the ride. You’re an active participant in every visit. You set the pace, protecting your animal’s well-being and creating safe, meaningful interactions. When that’s done well, the impact is unforgettable. Teams bring connection, professionalism, and a deep sense of care. Because every visit is an opportunity to make someone’s day… and have a lasting impact.
3. Hidden Challenges on Visits
Expect the Unexpected
Therapy animal visits are full of beautiful, uplifting moments. However, they don’t always go as planned.
Some clients may be uninterested or unable to engage. Noise levels may increase suddenly. You may see strong emotional reactions—or none at all. These situations are normal.
Your role is to respond calmly. Sometimes a quiet presence is enough. Other times, a wave and a smile is the best you can offer. Compassion, patience and adaptability matter just as much as enthusiasm.
Common Misconceptions
Out in the community, people may confuse therapy animals with service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs). Here’s a quick distinction:
- Therapy animals visit by invitation and have no public access rights.
- Service animals are trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Emotional support animals provide comfort but are not task-trained and are not covered by the ADA.
Correcting misconceptions in a friendly, informed way helps protect the integrity of your role—and supports others who depend on service and ESA animals.
Fear or Discomfort of Certain Species
Not everyone is a dog person, so Pet Partners teams include more than dogs. We register nine species, including cats, birds, rabbits and equines.
Some clients may have allergies, cultural reasons or personal history that make them hesitant to interact. Respect that. Confirm with staff if any species restrictions apply. As a handler, your goal is to create an inclusive and respectful environment, not to convince anyone to engage.
4. Reflect, Reset, and Grow
Once you’ve said your goodbyes, your visit may be over, but your responsibilities continue. How you care for yourself and your animal afterward helps ensure long-term success.
Reset and Reconnect
After giving their energy to others, your pet needs time to unwind. A walk, some water, or a favorite treat can reinforce that visits are safe and enjoyable. Likewise, take time for yourself. Whether a visit was joyful, emotional or challenging, pause to reflect and recharge.
Track Your Progress
Many facilities ask handlers to log visits. Even if yours doesn’t, keeping notes in the Volunteer Center can help you track meaningful moments or shifts in your pet’s behavior. It also gives you a way to recognize and celebrate growth over time.
Build Confidence One Visit at a Time
With experience, you and your pet will become more confident and in sync. You’ll better anticipate reactions, manage the pace of visits, and read subtle signals from your animal. Every visit strengthens your teamwork—and your impact.
Every Visit Makes a Difference
Volunteering with your pet is a meaningful way to support your community. Every time you walk into a room, you share the proven benefits of the human-animal bond. It’s not always easy—but it is always worth it.
And Pet Partners is here to support you every step of the way. With expert training, trusted resources and a nationwide community of handlers just like you.
Start your journey today.
Create an account in our Volunteer Center and click the “Start a Team Registration” button to begin working toward your goal of becoming an official therapy animal team.
Have questions about the registration process? Contact us. We’re here to help.
