The following table summarizes the steps to becoming a Pet Partners registered therapy animal/handler team and contains links to more information.
Step | What and How Do I Do It? | Required? | Fees |
1 | Register and complete Pet Partners Volunteering With Your Pet, an informational session that introduces you to the Pet Partners therapy animal program, requirements, and registration process. Click here for more information. | Highly Recommended | No Fee |
2 | Register and complete Pet Partners Therapy Animal Handler Course (in-person or online), which prepares you to volunteer effectively with your animal. | Yes | In-Person - $100 payable to Denver Pet Partners. |
3 | Complete the Handler Workshop Assessment and print a Completion Certificate. | Yes | No Fee |
4 | Register and complete Pet Partners Handling Skills for Safe Visits: Preparation for your Team Evaluation and Beyond, which provides additional information on various visitation scenarios to help you prepare for your evaluation. Click here for more information. | Highly Recommended | No Fee |
5 | Register and pass a Team Evaluation with your therapy animal (this step must be completed within 2 years of completing the Therapy Animal Handler Course). | Yes | Fee - $25 payable to DPP (if you evaluate with us). |
6 | Join Denver Pet Partners (DPP). When you join DPP, your registration with Pet Partners is discounted. This discount more than pays for your annual membership with DPP. DPP will provide support to you at a local level, helping you find the best place for you to volunteer. Click here for more information. | Highly Recommended | Fee - $45 first year and $25 annually thereafter payable to DPP. (A polo shirt and animal vest are provided during the first year). |
7 | Complete registration with Pet Partners. | Yes | Fee - $95 (every 2 years) payable to Pet Partners. |