Why should I get my animal evaluated?

By having you and your animal evaluated by a Delta Society-licensed evaluator, you can determine if your animal is suited for visitation-not all animals are. As a registered Pet Partners team, you'll receive an ID badge, a tag for your animal, and a newsletter. You'll have the pride and satisfaction of knowing you've met the Delta Society requirements, and you'll be welcome at more facilities. Finally, Pet Partners qualify for personal liability insurance.


What skills does my animal need to be registered?

The Pet Partners Skills Test is designed to ensure that the animal has adequate training, and can behave appropriately in therapy settings. The test is much like the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test, with some modifications. Your animal must be able to:

• Sit politely for petting
• Accept handling and grooming
• Walk on a loose lead, even through a crowd
• Do a Sit and Down on command
• Stay
• Come when called
• Behave calmly around other dogs, and around visual distractions such as medical equipment, and auditory distractions such as loud noises
• Leave a treat or toy when asked to do so.

The Skills Test is designed for dogs, with appropriate modifications for other species.

The Pet Partners Aptitude Test evaluates how your animal is likely to react to situations commonly encountered in therapy settings:

• exuberant, crowded, clumsy petting
• a restraining hug
• a staggering individual
• angry yelling
• being bumped from behind

Needless to say, all the tests are administered in a humane manner.

Because you and your animal will be visiting as a team, the evaluation process also assesses how well the two of you perform together.

What equipment is acceptable?

Acceptable equipment (leashes, collars, harnesses, etc.) for testing and for visiting is defined by Delta Society. Currently the following items are allowed:

• Buckle, snap, quick-release closures
• Limited slip collars (Martingales), if they do not include metal links
• Halters/head collars
• Leashes, no more than 6 feet in length, that are all-leather or all-fabric
• Body harnesses
• The following front clip harnesses: the Freedom/Sense-ation/Sense-ible harnesses
• Metal hardware, such as buckles, slip rings, and D-rings is acceptable

How do I become a Pet Partner?

I still have questions. Who can I contact?

Send an email to askanexpert@topekavisitingpets.info and a Delta-Society evaluator or other knowledgable local volunteer will answer your questions. Please provide your telephone number in case it would be easier to respond to you by phone.

I'm ready to sign up to be evaluated. What's next?

Send an email to registration@topekavisitingpets.info and our volunteer scheduler will work with you to set up an evaluation appointment at our next regularly scheduled evaluation.

How do I join Prairieland Visiting Animals Association?

To become a member of the Association, you needn’t have a registered visiting animal. (However, if you choose to visit with an unregistered animal, you may not represent yourself as a member of Prairieland.)

The only requirement for membership is an interest in animal visitation, and payment of minimal annual dues.

We meet about six times a year, and hold a Delta Society Pet Partner® evaluation 2-3 times a year. Attendance isn’t mandatory, but it’s a great way to meet like-minded new friends!

Dues are $10 per year for individuals, or $15 per year for families, payable at the first of the year.

For more information about joining Prairieland, send an email to information@topekavisitingpets.info and an Association representative will contact you.