Pet owners know how much comfort an animal can bring. Coming home to an excited pet can often be the best part of the day. Pet Partners, an organization connecting people with therapeutic animals, knows the power of a little puppy love, and getting your pet involved is simple. Do you think your animal could be a good therapy pet? Are you interested in accompanying your pet to brighten the days of those in need? Check out these signs to see if you and your pet can work with Pet Partners to help others.
They are not scared of new situations.
Your pet enjoys new people and situations, and is well-behaved in unfamiliar situations. They are not easily startled by noises or crowds and they welcome people of all ages, races and genders.
They enjoy a lot of attention.
They enjoy being petted and are able to be greeted and hugged without jumping, cowering, barking or biting. Being around children does not intimidate your pet, they appreciate attention and would be okay with being touched by others.
They can tolerate grooming.
Your pet doesn’t mind trips to the groomer and would not mind being bathed, clipped or brushed. They would be okay with being groomed in preparation for visits.
They follow species-appropriate commands.
Your pet knows how to sit, stay and perform other species-appropriate commands. They listen even when there are distractions around them, do not pick up interesting items when told not to and tolerate being on a leash.
No animal is perfect when it comes to following directions and remaining calm, but if your pet exhibits a majority of these behaviors, they may be a great therapy animal. Therapy animals are not just dogs. Pet Partners welcome cats, horses, rabbits, pigs, birds, llamas and alpacas, guinea pigs and rats to be evaluated for eligibility in the program.
Take our quiz to find out if you and your pet might be eligible to volunteer.
