NEW 2012!  Completion of the Pet Partners Handlers Workshop is now required before taking the  Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Tests.  Please return to our Required Training & Registration Process page if you are interested in registering for that course.

Please do not wait for our next Handlers workshop, Skills & Aptitude Test or Dog Training to contact us.  Advance preparation is required & we are here to help you succeed!   
 
*** We always need volunteers to assist in our PPST & PPAT's and it's a wonderful way to learn more about the tests!  If you are willing to help please contact us.  Please click HERE for more information on assistance required.

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 Test (PPST & PPAT) 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 in each exercise - 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, angry yelling, exuberant and clumsy).    (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 - even those who are not generally comfortable around or may even be afraid of animals.  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. It is the handlers responsibility to know what equipment is acceptable and required.
  
12.  Animals fed a raw protein diet are not eligible.  Please click HERE to see Pet Partners  Raw Protein Diet Policy

HANDLERS:

1.  IT IS THE HANDLERS RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND ALL REQUIREMENTS. 

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

4.  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.

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

6.  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.

7.  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.)

8.  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)

9.  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.

10.  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”

It is important to carefully consider the overview of the test requirements described above before paying too much attention to the specifics of each individual exercise.  It is also important to not only understand the purpose and process of each exercise described below but also the criteria for scoring.  See sample Score Sheet and possible scores below. The test is designed to evaluate the working relationship of the animal AND handler as a TEAM in terms of predictability and the ability to inspire confidence in ALL circumstances while at the same time interacting with others rather than the ability to perform specific exercises.  Candidates are encouraged not to train to the test but rather consider the overall working relationship they have with thier pet and their ability to interact with their animal at the same time they are interacting with others in potentially emotionally charged situations.  This is often much easier said than done.  Animals & Handlers each receive separate scores and detailed feedback on each exercise.  The lower of the 2 scores is the team score and the only one that matters. It is possible for an animal to score very well and the handler still receive a "Not Ready" score in which case the team will not pass the test.  NOTE:  For a comparison chart between Delta Society Pet Partners testing and other therapy dog registries click HERE to view our FAQ'a page.  

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, you should walk around and become familiar with the testing area.

Purpose:  This exercise demonstrates that the team can greet strangers appropriately.

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.

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.

Purpose:  This exercise demonstrates that the team's appearance 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 you for your pets brush, 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) will be scored as "Not Ready".

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 are supposed to 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, Struggling, Barking or crying, Excessive Sniffing, Refusing to walk past medical equipment.

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 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.

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 Exercise 6, 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.

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 about of time and use more than one command (as many as 3) in a friendly tone.

For other animals (including small dogs that will be carried on visits):
Sit and Down - The animal will be passed to three strangers.  The handler can talk to and pet the animal during this portion of the exercise.
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.

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.

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.  Very small dogs that have been carried during other parts of the evaluation must complete this floor exercise on the floor.

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.

The handler must be aware of the animal's potential response to a dog, PRO-actively (rather than RE-actively inactively) 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.

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.

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 and animal properly. It also shows that the handler knows how to work with 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). 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.

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 unexpectedly give the animal a full body hug 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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).

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.

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.

Very small dogs must walk on the floor during this 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.

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.   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.

Purpose:  The evaluator scores the overall reaction of the team to 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 team has developed the level of trust and understanding needed to work well together 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 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.