Skills and Aptitude
What you need to know:
In order to participate in this program, both you and your pet are trained and evaluated. This allows the health facility to know the standards that Pet Partners bring to their facility, and they have the comfort knowing our pets are safe for their patients. In order to pass the evaluation, each pet must complete a Skills and Aptitude Test. The Handler will be required to complete a one day training session . Download the Requirements below and then contact us for more information on how you and your pet can join our group.
Skills Evaluation - Download this section as a PDF document [PDF]
The Pet Partners Skills Test is patterned after the AKC's Canine Good Citizen program. It may be given up to 3 attempts to successfully complete skills of the PPST, but only if the mistake is due to handler error. Treats cannot be used during the testing. Below is a list of typical test steps:
- Accepting a Friendly Stranger
- Accepting Petting
- Appearance and Grooming
- Out For a Walk
- Walking Through a Crowd
- Reaction to Distractions
- Sit on Command, Down on Command, and Stay in Place
- Come When Called
- Reaction to a Neutral Dog
Aptitude Test - Download this section as a PDF document [PDF]
The Delta Society® Pet Partners Aptitude Test (PPAT) determines if you and your animal have the ability, capacity, desire, and potential for participating in animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) programs.
- Exuberant and Clumsy Petting
- Restraining Hug
- Staggering, Gesturing Individual
- Angry Yelling
- Bumped from Behind
- Crowded and Petted by Several People
- Leave It
- Offered a Treat
- Overall Assessment