Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy at the SHS

During regular visits, often twice a month, AAT teams provide one-on-one attention to residents who enjoy animal companionship. 

It is difficult to describe the magic of these interactions, AAT teams have the power to engage and reach residents in ways that human interaction sometimes cannot.

Therapy teams also enhance our education and outreach programs, giving life to our messages about responsible pet ownership and helping to demonstrate concepts such as bite prevention. 

As an AAT volunteer you and your registered therapy animal would team up to visit different facilities and outreach venues, such as special events. 

You know how much companion animals enrich your life.  And now you are ready to share your pet with others through Animal Assisted Activities.  Below is information that can help you begin the steps needed to join the SHS AAT program.

Return to volunteer opportunities

Steps to participate in the SHS AAT program

• Complete a general SHS volunteer application
• Attend volunteer orientation (held monthly)
• Interview with Volunteer Coordinator
• Complete evaluation and registration with one of 3 national agencies:
• www.deltasociety.org (dogs, cats, other)
• http://www.therapydogs.com (dogs only)
• www.tdi-dog.org (dogs only)
• If you and your pet have already obtained registration status, contact us now to get started!
• Attend pet visitation training with SHS mentors
• Commitment:  AAT volunteers act as public ambassadors at visitations. Each visit typically lasts for 1 hour.  Generally each visit is  pre-scheduled.  Animal Assisted Therapy Volunteers are required to work a minimum of two visits per month.  Some registration agencies have their own requirements to keep your registration active.

Is there a therapy pet in my house?

Read the following statements to find out if you have a potential candidate:

• My pet loves everybody, including strangers, children and adults of all ages
• My pet loves to be touched and hugged, even by people they don't know
• My pet never mouths, shows teeth, snaps, bites, or scratches me or other people
• My dog is able to walk on a loose lead even with distractions
• My pet is controlled around unfamiliar animals
• My dog does not lunge or pull to attack or play with other animals
• My dog understands and demonstrates commands when given, like "sit," "stay" or "come" even  in a distracting environment
• My pet tolerates loud or startling noises
• My pet loves people more than it does other animals
• My pet seems to be very confident in different types of environments
• My pet is at least one year of age

If all of the above statements apply to your pet, then your animal may have the skills necessary for becoming a registered therapy pet. 

If you answered no to one or more of the question, then your pet may require additional training or socialization.   You may also need to consider that your pet may not be suitable for this type of activity.  If it isn't fun for your pet, it won't be fun for you!

Is there a pre-test for therapy pets?

As a rule of thumb, dogs who can pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test are excellent candidates for therapy registration. Unfortunately, a similar test does not yet exist for cats or other pets commonly suited for therapy.

What kind of skills do I need?

The pet is only half the team. The handler must not only work effectively with their pet, but also be able to interact well with people! The handler must enjoy being around people of different cultures and populations.  You will need to be polite, friendly, and engaging and demonstrate excellent listening skills. 

Sensitivity to individuals with disabilities is essential as is an ability to work around medical equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers.  Handlers are also expected to adhere to facility policies regarding confidentiality, especially in the case of long term care facility and hospital visits.

Handlers also need to be aware of their pet at all times.  Praising good behavior is just as important as redirecting inappropriate behavior in positive ways.

Where do therapy pets work?

It is important to understand that therapy pets are not the same as service animals and they do not enjoy the same privileges.  Therapy dogs can only work where they have been invited. 

SHS volunteers visit hospitals, long term care facilities, educational facilities, children's residential facilities, and a variety of public outreach venues, such as festivals and fairs.

How are therapy teams registered?

Three national organizations offer testing and registration of therapy teams, Delta Society, Therapy Dogs Incorporated (TDInc.), and Therapy Dogs International. Teams currently registered with any of these organizations are welcome to volunteer with the SHS. 

Basic requirements for both TDInc.and the Delta Society are outlined below:

Delta Society Requirements (dogs and other pets):

• Pet owners must complete the Delta Society Pet Partners Home Study Course
• The Home Study Course includes reading through the course manual and completing a short written quiz afterward
• All animals must be have resided in the owner's home for at least 6 months, except for birds. Birds must have lived with their owner for at least 1 year.
• It is also possible to become registered with pets with whom you are familiar, but who do not live with you
• All animals, except for pocket pets, must be at least 1 year old. Pocket pets (rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc.) must be at least 6 months old.
• Dogs may not have been trained in personal protection or to behave aggressively toward people or other animals.
• Animals must be up to date on vaccines, in good general health, and be negative for both internal and external parasites.
• Pet and handler must complete a team evaluation, which consists of 2 parts: the Pet Partners Skills Test and the Pet Partners Aptitude Test.
• After passing the evaluation phase, you will need to submit final paperwork and fees to the Delta Society.

Therapy Dog Inc. Requirements (dogs only):

• Your dog must be at least 1 year of age
• No wolf or wolf-hybrids
• Your dog must meet the following health standards at the first testing date
• 1 or 3 year Rabies
• Negative fecal check 
• After you pass the testing phase, you will need to submit final paperwork and fees to TDInc., including proof of a negative fecal check within the last 6 weeks and a health exam signed by a licensed veterinarian.
  

Special thanks to our sponsors!

The Spartanburg Humane Society's Animal Assisted Therapy program is supported by our friends at the United Way of the Piedmont and the Uptown Sertoma Club!   The SHS is proud to have received the United Way's 2009 Award for Program Excellence for our AAT program!