All Pet Partners must
be Re-Tested for Skills & Aptitude every 2 years
Next PPSAT Tentatively Scheduled for weekday evenings of April 15 & 25; June 17 & 27; and August 8 & 19. Although we have the room reserved for these dates we may or may not be conducting tests on all of those dates. confirmation will depend on candidate and assistant availability.
YOUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IS HIGHLY VALUED!
PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR RE-TEST FOR GRANTED.
In order to assure that Pet Partners therapy teams maintain appropriate suitability for AAA/T work Pet Partners requires that all teams be re-tested every 2 years. This is an important element of our program. While we hope that 2 years of AAA/T visiting experience will maintain or improve our working relationship with our Pet Partners this is, unfortunately, not always the case. Frequently we fall back into old habits of complacency &/or forget the required criteria for being a safe and effective Pet Partners volunteer team. Other times, our Pet Partners may be burnt out or we may take time off from visiting and not realize the impact our time away has had on our Skills &/or Aptitude (our own &/or our Pet Partner's). The aging process can also have a significant impact on our Pet Partners' suitability and we may lack the objectivity to fully appreciate how relevant those changes may be to our AAA/T work. Your 2 year re-test is not merely a formality. The same criteria applies for experienced volunteers as for new ones. Consistent participation without incident is not a guarantee for your 2-year re-test success so please review all requirements carefully and take your Skills & Aptitude re-test preparation seriously. And please also review scoring criteria provided below. All this information is provided to help you. Please take advantage of it! Your participation is so important to all those you help!!!
In order to assure that Pet Partners therapy teams maintain appropriate suitability for AAA/T work Pet Partners requires that all teams be re-tested every 2 years. This is an important element of our program. While we hope that 2 years of AAA/T visiting experience will maintain or improve our working relationship with our Pet Partners this is, unfortunately, not always the case. Frequently we fall back into old habits of complacency &/or forget the required criteria for being a safe and effective Pet Partners volunteer team. Other times, our Pet Partners may be burnt out or we may take time off from visiting and not realize the impact our time away has had on our Skills &/or Aptitude (our own &/or our Pet Partner's). The aging process can also have a significant impact on our Pet Partners' suitability and we may lack the objectivity to fully appreciate how relevant those changes may be to our AAA/T work. Your 2 year re-test is not merely a formality. The same criteria applies for experienced volunteers as for new ones. Consistent participation without incident is not a guarantee for your 2-year re-test success so please review all requirements carefully and take your Skills & Aptitude re-test preparation seriously. And please also review scoring criteria provided below. All this information is provided to help you. Please take advantage of it! Your participation is so important to all those you help!!!
Please carefully review your Pet Partners Training Manual, Handlers Workshop Handouts, and all relevant materials offered here
to help you succeed!
It will be easy to renew your registration on Pet Partners new web site once you pass your test but you must set up an account there
if you haven't done that yet. Click below to go to Pet Partners site to renew registration.
if you haven't done that yet. Click below to go to Pet Partners site to renew registration.
If necessary, you can find helpful training information and video tutorials by clicking on these buttons...
Video example of leash too tight ...
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IMPORTANT VIDEO NOTE: *** The PPSAT Videos provided are examples of what teams will be asked to do in the PPSAT and are for instruction purposes only. The candidate's behavior in these examples are NOT to be presumed as what is desired or required. Whether these examples demonstrate desired or undesired behaviors of both animals & handlers will be discussed in your Handlers Workshop. *** For instance, the video of the test exercise provided below is an example of a leash that is too tight. There should be visible slack in the leash and the dog should be responsive to a verbal cue to stay close, wait, etc. There may be slight variations of specific distractions utilized, room size and configuration, evaluator style, instructions etc. in your test.
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It's important to understand how exercises are scored as well as what is required during the exercises.
See below for purpose, process & scoring information details & tips. ***
See below for purpose, process & scoring information details & tips. ***
Pet Partners SKILLS Test (PPST)
Important Note about Video Samples - these video samples demonstrate what you and your animal will be asked to demonstrate. Performance & scoring of these samples will be discussed in the Handlers Workshop. Please do not assume presume these to be ideal samples.
Important Note about Video Samples - these video samples demonstrate what you and your animal will be asked to demonstrate. Performance & scoring of these samples will be discussed in the Handlers Workshop. Please do not assume presume these to be ideal samples.
Exercise 1 - Review Handler Questionnaire
Purpose: This exercise helps the evaluator and team become more familiar with each other.
Procedure: Information exchanged about the team during this exercise, including the handlers awareness of their own animals stress or calming signals and what to do about them, may alert the evaluator to circumstances that may affect the evaluation. While the evaluator reviews the questionnaire, team should walk around and become familiar with the testing area. |
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Exercise 2 - Accepting a Friendly Stranger
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the team can greet strangers appropriately - as a TEAM.
Procedure: The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The animal should allow the evaluator to approach; the handler should be relaxed and friendly. The animal may change position, but must remain next to the handler and neither approach nor shy away from the evaluator. |
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Exercise 3 - Accepting Petting
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the team has suitable social skills and control for visits.
Procedure: The evaluator will ask to pet your animal. The evaluator pets the animal and then circles the animal and handler. The animal may change position, but must remain next to the handler and neither approach nor shy away from the evaluator. |
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Exercise 4 - Appearance and Grooming
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the team's appearance (both animal AND handler) is clean and appropriate for visits and that the animal welcomes being groomed and examined, even by a stranger. It also demonstrates the handler's care, concern, and responsibility.
Procedure: The evaluator will first ask handler for pets brush (appropriate soft brush (no metal pins) must be supplied by handler) then lightly brush your animal and examine its feet and ears. The evaluator inspects the animal, then combs or brushes the animal and lightly examines the ears and each front foot. Un-groomed animals (including nails, ears, teeth and coat) or those with odor will be not be evaluated and scored as "Not Ready". |
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Exercise 5 - Out For a Walk (Walking on a Loose Leash)
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the handler is in control of the animal and the animal is comfortable moving with the handler in a relaxed manner.
Procedure: The handler and animal walk a short course. Dogs should walk on a loose leash; other animals are carried as they would be when visiting. All animals must be wearing an acceptable collar or harness and be on leash. The animal should walk on a loose leash or be carried without any: Pulling, Jumping, Jerking, Struggling, Barking or crying, Excessive Sniffing, Refusing to walk past medical equipment. Dogs are not required to be in a formal heel position but must be within arms length of the handler, on a LOOSE leash, and pay attention and willingly respond to handler's movements, verbal/visual cues (NOT physical leash control or corrections) to the handler at all times. (occasional tight lead is acceptable). |
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Exercise 6 - Walking Through a Crowd
Purpose: This exercise helps simulates a crowded corridor and demonstrates that the team can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and under control in public places.
Procedure: The handler and animal walk through a "crowd" of at least three people, passing close by them. The Animal may show some interest in the strangers, but not appear over-exuberant, shy, frightened, or resentful. Dogs walk (unless small) and other animals are carried. The handler should be aware of the animal's behavior and support the animal in a friendly tone. |
Caution - Tight Leash!
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Exercise 7 - Reaction to Distractions
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the animal remains calm and confident when faced with common distractions.
Procedure: While walking back to the beginning location from the previous Exercise, the team will be exposed to one visual and one auditory distraction from a distance of no closer than 10 feet. The distractions may include a person who is running, rolling in a wheelchair, dropping a crutch, pushing a metal cart, or dropping noisy items. The animal may express a natural interest and curiosity and may appear slightly startled, but should not: Panic, Struggle or try to run away, Vocalize, Show aggressiveness or Eliminate. The handler should be aware of the animal's needs and give praise or encouragement as needed. |
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Exercise 8-10 - Sit, Down, and Stay on Command 
Purpose: For dogs, this exercise demonstrates that a dog will sit, lie down, and stay on the handler's cue. For small dogs and other animals, these exercises demonstrate that the animal will accept being passed from one person to another and will remain where placed.
Procedure: For dogs (except small dogs that will be carried): There are three elements to this exercise. First, the handler cues the dog to sit, then waits for the evaluator's signal to release the dog (after no more than three seconds). Next, the handler cues the dog to lay down, then waits for the evaluator's signal to release the dog (after no more than three seconds). Finally, the handler replaces the dog's leash with a 10-foot light line and places the dog in a sit, down, or stand (handler's choice), then cues the dog to stay. The handler will walk to the end of the line, at all times holding onto the line, pause for two to three seconds, and return to the dog. The handler may not force the animal into position, use a loud voice, or jerk on the leash. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command (as many as 3) in a friendly tone. Handler must demonstrate comfort with changing & organizing equipment. For small animals (including small dogs that will be carried on visits): Passed between strangers - The animal will be passed to three strangers. The handler can talk to and pet the animal during this portion of the exercise. This exercise is in place of Sit & Down for small animals. Stay in Place - The animal is placed in a stranger's lap or on a table for 30 seconds. The animal must stay where placed. Standing next to the animal, the handler continues to hold the animal's lead and may reassure the animal, but not pet it. During the 30-second wait, the evaluator or an assistant pets the animal.
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For Equines: Stay only - Handler steps 3 feet to side for 30 seconds. Handler may verbally reassure but not pet or touch animal. |
Exercise 11 - Come When Called (for dogs only)
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the dog (including very small dogs) will come to the handler and allow the handler to attach a leash, even while being pleasantly distracted and that the handler can comfortably handle equipment changes and dog at the same time.
Procedure: The handler will attach a 10-foot light line to the dog. The handler will cue the dog to stay and walk to the end of the line. The evaluator will attempt to distract the dog by petting it. When signaled by the evaluator, the handler will call the dog. The handler may pat the floor and use verbal encouragement, but no food or toys, to bring the dog close enough. When the dog reaches the handler, they must reattach the dog's leash and remove the 10-foot line, without letting go of the dog. Handler must demonstrate comfort with changing & organizing equipment. Very small dogs that have been carried during other parts of the evaluation must complete this floor exercise on the floor. |
SKIP for Cats, Birds, Pocket Pets & Equines
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Exercise 12 - Reaction to a Neutral Dog
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the handler is aware of the animal's potential response to a dog, and can help the animal succeed while still being polite and friendly to a stranger.
Procedure: Two handlers and their animals approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands, and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about five yards. As in all exercises, the handler must be aware of the animal's potential response to a dog, PRO-actively (rather than RE-actively or IN-actively) help the animal succeed, and at the same time be polite and friendly to a stranger. If the test is done with two dogs, they should show no more than a casual interest in each other. A dog that crosses the vertical mid-line of the handler, either in front or behind, to try and reach the neutral dog will be scored a "Not Ready". (Small dogs may be carried for this exercise.) Cats and other animals can be held by the handler or placed in a carrier and walked past a dog. The animal should not: Growl or bite, Stare, Bark or cry, Chase, Raise its hackles, Attack, Attempt to jump on a person or an animal, OR Cross the midline to greet the neutral dog or person. |
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Pet Partners APTITUDE Test (PPAT)
Exercise A - Overall Exam
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the animal will accept and is comfortable being examined by a strangers. It also shows that the handler knows how to present the animal on a visit and how to help the animal welcome being touched all over.
Procedure: The evaluator will look in the animal's ears, hold its tail, put fingers in its mouth, and handle its feet. |
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Exercise B - Exuberant and Clumsy Petting
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the animal will maintain self-control and will tolerate clumsy petting by people with different physical abilities or who do not know how to handle an animal properly. It also shows that the handler knows how to work with and support the animal to help it accept such attention.
Procedure: The evaluator will use elbows and clenched hands to pet the animal, making sure not to pet too hard or to injure it in any way. The evaluator will also speak vowel sounds in a monotone (simulating speech difficulty) and high pitched speech. If the team is enjoying the interactions and handling them well, the evaluator will extend the exercise a few moments and increase the level of exuberance to that of an excited child or adult. |
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Exercise C - Restraining Hug
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the animal will accept or welcome restraint and that the handler can assist the animal to accept or welcome such a situation
Procedure: The evaluator will give the animal a full body hug (or around neck for equines) that restricts its movement. If the animal is a bird or other small animal, the evaluator will not hug the animal but will restrain its movement with both hands. |
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Exercise D - Staggering/Gesturing Individual
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the animal will exhibit confidence when a person acting in an unusual manner approaches. It also shows that the handler has the social skills to interact with a stranger while attending to the animal.
Procedure: A person with an unsteady gait and wearing a shawl, or someone using an assistive device such as a walker, will approach the animal, gesturing wildly, and/or wailing. The person will stop staggering, then call the animal to approach or will otherwise attract the animal's attention. If the animal appears comfortable, the person will pet the animal. |
Caution - Tight Leash!
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Exercise E - Angry Yelling
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the animal will not be upset when someone exhibits strong emotions and that the handler can help the animal tolerate such a situation.
Procedure: Two people will begin to shout angrily at each other and wave their arms. The "Angry Yelling" will not be directed at the handler or the animal; it will take place approximately 6 feet to one side of them. The animal may startle but should recover. The duo will stop yelling and begin to act "neutral". One of the people will then call the animal to see if it will approach. |
Caution - Tight Leash!
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Exercise F - Bumped from Behind
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the animal is able to recover when a person bumps into it. It also shows that the handler can both tolerate the animal being bumped and assist the animal to recover from the surprise.
Procedure: The evaluator may use their leg or ankle to bump the dog. For animals that are being carried, the evaluator bumps the handler lightly on the opposite side of where the animal is carried. Equines will be bumped on the shoulder, not the hind end. |
Caution - Tight Leash!
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Exercise G - Crowded and Petted by Several People
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the animal will tolerate crowding and petting by several people at once. The handler must have the social skills to interact with the group while attending to the animal and looking out for its well-being.
Procedure: At least three people, arriving one at time, will gather closely around the animal and begin to touch it. One stooping down on the animals level, another looming over the animal from above. One of them will be using healthcare equipment. If the team seems to be enjoying the interaction, the evaluator may increase the intensity of the interaction to help aid in proper placement of the team (e.g. Predictable vs. Complex). |
Caution - Tight Leash!
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Exercise H - Leave It
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates that the animal will ignore a toy when cued to do so. It also demonstrates that the handler is aware of the animal's position and behavior, and is able to prevent the animal from mouthing or picking up the toy. Some sniffing of the toy is acceptable but the animal should continue walking with handler without pulling or jerking toward the toy.
Procedure: The team is directed to walk 10-feet forward past the toy and then walk on another 10 feet and stop. The team must walk past the toy, which is positioned so that the animal is on the same side as the toy. |
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Very small dogs must walk on the floor during the Leave It exercise, even if they are carried during other parts of the test. Cats should be handled as they will be on a visit, either carried in arms or a basket or walking on a leash on the floor, as the handler chooses. If the cat is carried, the evaluator or assistant will approach the team with a toy as the team walks by to determine the cat's reaction.
Exercise I - Offered a Treat
Purpose: This exercise demonstrates the animal will take a treat politely. The handler may provide the treats to be offered to their own animal, and may take steps to calm the animal if the animal becomes over stimulated. The handler may choose not to have the animal take the treat and the team will not be scored lower for refusing a treat. If the animal takes the treat, it must do so gently.
Procedure: The evaluator will ask the handler if they can give the animal a treat. They will then give the treat to the animal, assuming the handler says yes. |
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Exercise J - Overall Handler Assessment
Purpose: The evaluator scores the overall skills & aptitude of the handler during the test as a whole.
Procedure: The evaluator will score the test, noting whether the handler is proactive, reactive, or inactive in the handling and management of the animal. In addition, the evaluator notes whether the handler has developed the level of trust and understanding needed to work smoothly with their animal in unpredictable environments. During the PPAT, the handler and animal should interact with the evaluator and assistants as though they are people being visited at a facility. The handler should be able to work with the animal - using only verbal/visual cues on a LOOSE leash - while at the same time interacting socially with the "client" (evaluator and assistants) as if on a visit.
Procedure: The evaluator will score the test, noting whether the handler is proactive, reactive, or inactive in the handling and management of the animal. In addition, the evaluator notes whether the handler has developed the level of trust and understanding needed to work smoothly with their animal in unpredictable environments. During the PPAT, the handler and animal should interact with the evaluator and assistants as though they are people being visited at a facility. The handler should be able to work with the animal - using only verbal/visual cues on a LOOSE leash - while at the same time interacting socially with the "client" (evaluator and assistants) as if on a visit.
Overall Test Results depending how the team scores in various individual exercises the overall test score may be: Predictable, This indicates that the team has passed the test, but should refrain from visiting complex environments as determined by the facility matrix, or; Complex which indicates that the team has passed the test, and is ready for visiting all levels of complexity as determined by the facility matrix. There may also be special requirements noted such as one on one visits only, animal must wear harness (or other equipment used to test in) etc.
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SAMPLE PPAT & PPST SCORE SHEET
please don't take scoring for granted either! |
POSSIBLE SCORES FOR ANIMALS AND HANDLERS ARE:
* It's helpful to note items listed in each possible score for each exercise on the score sheet. |
Below documents are equally important for 1st time candidates AND veteran Pet Partners!
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Important Pet Partner® Team Evaluation/Renewal Tips
Including Elements Frequently Scored "Not Ready" Click on "print" or "Fullscreen" to view more easily |
Important Handler Requirements
Click on "print" or "Fullscreen" to view more easily
* IMPORTANT EVALUATION CHECKLIST
Handlers are responsible for knowing all requirements as detailed in the Pet Partners Handlers training. TEAMS WILL NOT BE TESTED IF: 1. Handler does not bring ALL required equipment, Rabies Certificate and Handler Questionnaire. 2. Animal is not properly groomed including nails, ears & eyes. 3. Handler is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. SEE EVALUATION CHECKLIST BELOW 
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Many thanks to the Licking County Aging Program for donating this wonderful space!
Directions: From Newark - take Rt. #16 East to O'Bannon Ave exit, turn Right on O'Bannon Ave. to East Main St., turn Left on East Main St., LCAP is in a large natural brown building in a shopping center on the left at 1059 East Main St., Newark, OH - Look for the LCAP logo included in the shopping center signs from the street.
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Heritage Hall, 1058 E. Main St., Newark, OH
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