creating beneficial human-animal interactions

visiting ANIMALS

Visiting animals are pets belonging to volunteers or facility staff members which have met specific national registration standards for animals participating in Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy.  They maintain current registration with recognized organizations such as Delta Society^® Pet Partners^®.  The handlers and animals will have received specific training and have been screened for health, skills and aptitude.

Successful Visiting Animal Programs operate under detailed policies and procedures which stipulate the criteria that all handlers and animals will meet (e.g. registration with Delta Society^® Pet Partners^®) and describe the procedure for screening animals and handlers for participation in the facility's program.  The policies must also address infection control and risk management concerns through detailed visiting protocols.