‘Pet Therapy’ is the commonly used term for animal-assisted therapy (AAT), animal-assisted activities (AAA) and pet visitation. The Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta describes pet therapy as an organized program that encourages therapeutic and mutually beneficial interaction between companion animals and people.

The Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta is a non-political, charitable organization founded in 1994 to provide education and assistance to individuals and facilities involved in pet therapy activities, and to provide support and services for individuals dealing with pet loss issues.

Any dog that has the proper manners and enjoys people can become a therapy animal. All breeds and mixed-breeds are considered by the Pet Therapy Society; each dog is individually assessed and evaluated for his/her suitability. Dogs need not be altered (spayed/neutered) although bitches in season are not permitted to visit. Dogs must be one year old. Although puppies are cute and funny, they are not suitable for pet therapy programs. Puppies are still developing their personalities and temperament and will not have the predictable behaviour necessary for a stable therapy animal. In their enthusiasm they may injure a client by accident that would be traumatic for the client, the staff and the handler as well.

Dogs must respond readily to basic obedience commands such as "Heel", "Sit", "Down", "Stay" and "Come" and be easily managed by their handlers.

For this reason, dogs must have successfully completed teh Pet Therapy Society Pre-screening Test or have earned a Companion Dog (CD) obedience title under the rules and regulations of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC).  Photocopies of kennel club title certificates will be required.  Additionally, we recognize CKC Canadian Good Neighbour (CGN) and AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) titles.  Also, the Canadian Canine Good Citizen Certificate (CCGC) certificate program sponsored by the Human Animal Bond Association of Canada (HABAC).  Dog training school graduation certificates are not accepted and the dog will be required to participate in Pre-Screening.

The individual registered in the Pet Education Program, and who participates in any kind of pet therapy activities, must have handled the dog during the tests.

The Pre-Screen is a series of tests based on three (3) criteria ~ a temperament suitable for pet therapy work, a strong, positive relationship between the animal and its handler and, in the case of dogs, the reliability of response to basic obedience commands.

With respect to a dog's response to obedience commands, the tests are designed to provide handlers with an opportunity to demonstrate reasonable handling skills in realistic every day situations.

The Pet Therapy Society hosts ten (10) pre-screening sessions per year.  For more information please contact the Pet Therapy Society at 780-413-4692 or email us at pettherapysociety@telus.net

The Canine Good Neighbour (CGN), Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificates are issued to a dog and handler who pass a series of ten (10) tests. This ensures that the dog has a minimum level of training and the handler can demonstrate reasonable handling skills in realistic everyday activities. The tests are offered by some obedience classes, breed clubs, obedience clubs, etc. For more information please contact local dog training schools, kennel clubs or for more information relative to their CCGC program contact HABAC (Human Animal Bond Association of Canada at habac@istar.ca

All dogs involved in any kind of pet therapy must be well socialized around people, other dogs and other animals. They need to be able to adapt to new or unusual situations, comfortable around wheelchairs, walkers, etc. and being handled by strangers. You can help prepare your dog by ensuring good healthy socialization, positive exposure to a variety of people, other animals, environmental factors and situations. This will increase his confidence and help develop solid and predictable behaviour.

You and your companion animal will attend a weekend program that will provide you with an orientation to pet therapy and training in risk management. Topics covered in the 12-hour course include Canine Behaviour and Socialization, Qualities of a Therapy Animal, Risk Management, Preventing Accidents and Injuries, Policies & Procedures and Troubleshooting. The program also provides an opportunity for you and your companion animal to become comfortable with many of the environmental factors and situations you may encounter in your visiting through practical demonstrations and role-plays.

At the end of the class you and your companion animal will participate in an assessment to ensure the two of you are ready to be involved in a pet therapy program. If so, you will then complete a written Handler Questionnaire and participate in six practicum visits supported by a Mentor in order to visit on behalf of the Pet Therapy Society.

The first step is to successfully complete the Pre-Screen or provide photocopies of obedience title certificates as discussed above.  Once you and your animal have been advised that you have been successful, you will be provided with an application package for the Pet Education Program.  Complete the necessary forms and submit your application along with your application fee of $40.00 (non-refundable).  You will be advised on the next available PEP session once your paperwork has been reviewed and found to be complete.

Membership – If not currently a member of the Pet Therapy Society, your application will include a non-voting membership in the Pet Therapy Society expiring at the end of the calendar year; this is mandatory for insurance purposes.

Health Screening – The application package includes a Companion Animal Health Screening Form that must be completed by a licensed veterinarian. This includes general health status, proof of current immunization and a fecal test.

Observed Visit – Individuals who are participating in the Pet Education Program will have the opportunity to attend an ‘observed visit’ to see first-hand the interaction between Pet Therapy Society volunteers, their companion animals and the people visited. The Pet Education Program includes an opportunity for feedback from the visit to be discussed.

The Pre-Screen and the Pet Education Program assessments are designed to help prepare companion animals and their handlers for pet therapy activities.  If an animal and handler team is not ready to proceed, recommendations and suggestions are offered by the evaluators and the handler is encouraged to work with the animal and return for a re-assessment at a later date. There is no additional charge for re-assessment.

There are numerous opportunities available for volunteers and companion animals who have completed the Pet Education Program. Pet Therapy Society volunteers are welcome at almost every seniors’ facility in the Edmonton area. As well, there are also assignments in active treatment hospitals, psychiatric and mental health programs, children’s treatment centers, palliative care programs, prisons and corrections programs and schools.

The Pet Education Program is conducted over a weekend (Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday) for a total of 12 hours and a practicum of six visits over the next three months are required to complete the program. Following that, the commitment is up to the volunteer. Most programs are flexible although some special assignments are structured and require a definite commitment.

More and more facilities are recognizing the value and security of having pet therapy volunteers and their companion animals participate in the Pet Education Program offered by the Pet Therapy Society. It ensures that the handlers have received an orientation to pet therapy and training in risk management and communications prior to beginning an assignment in a facility or program. The Pet Education Program also ensures that companion animals have an opportunity to become comfortable with the environmental factors found in a healthcare facility prior to introducing them to clients.

Although dogs are the most common species involved in pet therapy programs, there are many other animals spending time with seniors and clients in programs in our community. Many domesticated animals can be considered – cats, guinea pigs, rabbits.  Reptiles including snakes, iguanas and turtles are not considered appropriate due to the high risk of zoonoses (infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans).  Please contact the Pet Therapy Society at (780) 413-4682 to discuss opportunities and specific requirements for other species.

I have a physical disability. Will that affect my participation?

The Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta does not discriminate against persons with either physical or intellectual disabilities, however each handler must be able to demonstrate the ability and willingness to manage their companion animal and to implement appropriate risk management skills.