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Prairieland Visiting Animals Association

 

About Prairieland

Becoming a Pet Partner
Becoming a Prairieland Member

Becoming a Delta Society Pet Partner®

By having 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. The animal must be clean and well groomed, and all shots must be up to date. Dogs may wear flat or slip collars, but prong collars or halters may not be used. 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.

How do I become a Pet Partner?

Your animal will have to pass a veterinary screening, the skills test, and the aptitude test. The human member of the team must read a manual (or attend a workshop) and pass a written exam. Registration materials, including a small picture of the two of you, and a fee, must be sent to Delta Society for approval. The animal will need to be recertified every two years.

 

How To Become a Member of 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 twice 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

and an Association representative will contact you.