Please do not wait 
for our next scheduled Skills & Aptitude Test or Training to contact us.  
Advance preparation is required & we are here to help you succeed!  
Don't miss the *** Delta tip sheets below!

We regret that we are not able to conduct these tests as often as we would like.  Please make sure you prepare wisely well in advance & begin appropriate dog training with one of our recommended dog trainers if necessary ASAP.   

In order to become an Angel Paws Animal/Handler volunteer team you must first become a registered (and insured) Delta Society Pet Partners Team.  Additional Angel Paws Volunteer Training & Orientation will follow for those who pass the Delta Society Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test.  

To fully meet the animal and handler screening criteria set forth by Delta’s AAA/T Standards of Practice and to foster clinician, staff, administration and public confidence in visiting animal programs, Delta Society developed its Pet Partners Program.  Pet Partners is internationally recognized for its comprehensive screening, training and registration of animal-handler teams that possess appropriate skills, aptitude and handler knowledge to interact safely and effectively in any and all situations that may occur in a variety of facilities (Schools, Nursing Homes, Alzheimer's Care Units, Psychiatric Units, Hospices, Rehabilitation Centers, Hospitals, Shelters and Prisons). 

The Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude (PPST & PPAT) Test has been developed and revised over time by animal behaviorists, health care professionals, animal trainers, veterinarians, etc. to closely simulate situations and circumstances that can and do occur in a health care facility, school, shelter or prison.  Delta wants you and your animal to be comfortable and equipped to handle anything that comes your way so that you, your animal, and all others that you encounter, are not only safe but confident and relaxed during any and all interactions.   Angel Paws will help you decide which one of the facilities we partner with that would be most suitable for you and your pet to visit in but the basic skills and aptitude required must be present for all.  PLEASE VISIT CAN MY DOG BE A THERAPY DOG (helpful even for other species ) AND  ACCEPTABLE EQUIPMENT. 
 

ANIMALS:

1.  Animals must be well groomed just as if they were going in a visit (bathed, thoroughly brushed out, eyes and ears cleaned & nails clipped) be at least one (1) year of age, have lived with their owner for at least 6 months, and be in good physical condition, able physically and mentally to do the work.  Animals to be evaluated with handler other than owner must have written permission from owner.

2.  Animals must demonstrate that they are relaxed and under complete control (verbal &/or visual NOT physical control) at all times.  Animals must not jump, hop up, or put feet on furniture or people uninvited.  Animal must show that he/she is reliable, predictable, well mannered and that he/she performs willingly and on cue to the following behaviors (depending on the species & size of animal being tested): Sit; Down; Stay (for 2 -3 seconds; Walk on leash (quietly with NO pulling, tugging, or wandering - leash as insurance rather than “crutch”); Come (from 10 feet directly to the handler). (See; Recommended Dog Trainers,  What Kind of Training Does My Dog Need ... & Positive Reinforcement Dog Training)

3.  Animals must demonstrate that they have the ability to NOT simply tolerate but rather accept, seek and enjoy interaction with a variety of different people - demonstrating a relaxed body posture and facial expressions that show they are friendly, calm, well mannered and willing to be handled and restrained by people who walk, talk, and behave differently (wild gesturing and shouting).    (See SOCIALIZATION) 

4.  Animals must demonstrate confidence around various hospital equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, IV poles, etc.) and loud noises.

5.  Animals must demonstrate that they are calm and well mannered around other animals WITHOUT being allowed to greet.

6.  Animals must at all times inspire confidence and comfort in the person he/she is interacting with.  At no time may animals pose any threat, either perceived or real, to evaluators, assistants or bystanders.

9.  Animals must not whine, bark, growl, vocalize in any manner, defecate or urinate during the evaluation.

10.  Dogs trained to aggressively protect and/or encouraged to actively bite, even as a component of a dog sport (e.g., bite work that is part of  Schutzhund) shall not be evaluated.  This is primarily a liability issue.  Although many dogs that have been trained for bite-work are wonderful and under very good control, it is a risk that the Pet Partners Program can no longer take.  They are concerned about the reaction of a dog should a handler be approached in a threatening manner during a visit.  Even though the handler may be able to immediately bring the dog back under control, the dog has already reacted.

11.  All animals must be comfortably under control by leash, cage or crate.  Dogs must wear Delta Society acceptable collars and leashes only.  (ie: all leather or fabric, leashes no longer than 6' in length; no flexi-leashes; no slip collars of metal, leather or fabric; no training collars such as choke, "pinch", "prong," electric or spray;  or muzzles.  Gentle Leader type head halters, some harnesses and nylon martingales are acceptable)  Collar and leash as an insurance policy rather than a crutch, handle or steering wheel!  Please see acceptable EQUIPMENT requirements.  

HANDLERS:

1.  Handlers must be at least ten (10) years of age.
 
2.  Handlers younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must have written permission to participate from a parent or guardian.

3.  Handlers must have known the animal they plan to visit with for a minimum of 6 months.  Handlers to be evaluated with pet not their own must have written permission from owner and animal must have lived with owner for at least 6 months.

4.  Handlers must be well groomed, appropriately dressed, confident, relaxed, friendly and outgoing with a variety of people.

5.  Handlers must provide:  Completed Delta Society Handler's Questionnaire; Copies of all Delta Society Pet Partners Registration Forms including Veterinary Certification, current Rabies Vaccination certificate and signed indemnity forms etc. (Steps #1 - #7 in Pet Partner manual); Towel or blanket  if Animal will be carried; Acceptable collar or harness per Delta Training Manual; Acceptable leash per Delta Training Manual (no metal or retractable leashes); & Animal's brush or comb.

6.  Handlers must interact with both animals and people in a calm, enthusiastic and pleasant manner at all times just as if they are on a visit  - demonstrate appropriate social skills (eye contact smiles, confident posture, conversation etc.)

7.  Handlers must demonstrate the ability to  PRO-actively (as opposed to RE-actively) act as animal’s advocate in all situations, effectively reading animal’s cues (stress, excitement, discomfort, fatigue etc.) and support, direct or distract accordingly.  (see LEADERSHIP)

8.  Both animal and handler must work as a team in harmony and synchrony with constant, non-forceful, pleasant and respectful communication (verbal and non-verbal) with one another.

9.  Any and all behavior and interactions of either animal or handler observed at any time anywhere on evaluation grounds is subject to consideration and may impact the results of the test.  Any sign of aggression or intimidation toward any animal or person is grounds for a score of  “Inappropriate for Visiting”

 For small dogs, cats and other pets please see our "not just dogs" link.
  
Below documents are equally important for 1st time candidates AND veteran Pet Partners!
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Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at all - we are here to help you succeed!

WELCOME & Thank You For Your Interest
Angel Paws Training & Registration Process
Can My Dog Be A Therapy Dog?
What Kind of Training Does My Dog Need ...?

Equipment
SOCIALIZATION
LEADERSHIP
Perks & Requirements
Service Description
Who We Serve
2 Year Membership Renewal
Dogs ...
Puppies
Not Just Dogs; Therapy Cats, Rabbits, Birds, etc.
Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D)
Auxiliary Angels (no pet required)