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Delta Society would like to thank our partner - the passionate pet lovers at Purina - for their incredible support!

 

“The kids really enjoy being able to read to someone who is not judgmental,
who doesn’t correct their every error.”

Rita Boryszak, teacher at Octorana Elementary School

What are the Pre-Requisites for becoming a Pet Partner?

Prerequisites for the Animal Partner

         
              FOR ALL ANIMALS
              Animals may NOT be fed a raw protein diet (click here to read the related policy) .

ELIGIBLE SPECIES
There are a great many species that make wonderful visiting animals and can form a strong human-animal bond. Only domesticated animals may become Pet Partners. Examples of registered pets include: Dogs, Cats, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, Domesticated Rats, Horses, Goats, Llamas, Donkeys, Potbellied Pigs, Miniature Pigs, Cockatoos, African Gray Parrots, Chickens.

SPECIES NOT ELIGIBLE: Wild or exotic animals (e.g., snakes, ferrets, lizards) may not be Pet Partners.

BIRDS
•  Must have lived in the owner's home for at least 1 year.

"POCKET PETS" (e.g., guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, etc.)
• Must be at least 6 months old at the time of the team evaluation.

ALL OTHER ANIMALS
• Must have lived in the owner's home for at least 6 months at the time of the team evaluation.
• Must be at least 1 year old at the time of the team evaluation.

NOTE: Dogs that have been trained to aggressively protect and/or have been encouraged to bite, even if it is a component of a dog sport (e.g., bite work that is part of Schutzhund) may not be Pet Partners.

Prerequisites for the Human Partner

HAVING YOUR OWN PET NOT NECESSARY
You may volunteer with a friend or family member’s animal as long as you have known them for 6 months, have worked with them towards becoming a Pet Partner and have the owners’ consent to volunteer with their animal.

People who do not have an animal may register as a 'Pet Partners Volunteer Only'. A 'Pet Partners Volunteer Only' can volunteer with a Pet Partner animal team as a helper or can support their group by helping with projects but they cannot handle the animal.

AGES: 16 and Older, OR 10 to 16 with Guardian Participation
The person handling the animal (handlers) must be at least 10 years old. Handlers younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must have written permission to participate from a parent or guardian.