Can all animals be Pet Partners?
The Visiting Pet Program is open to all domestic pets, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, plus domesticated farm animals, including goats, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, chickens, llamas, cows, horses, and donkeys. Reptiles, such as snakes and turtles, are not eligible. Neither are wild species like bears, hawks, or wild hares. Horses have been used therapeutically for thousands of years – in fact, they were the first true therapy animals. Dogs are by far the most popular therapy animals. Pets are evaluated individually, and Delta Society does not discriminate against specific breeds of dog the way some national programs do. To be appropriate for this activity, animals must be calm, quiet, friendly, and healthy. They must travel well and recover quickly from distractions. They must also enjoy being petted. All animals, including dogs, must be under their handlers’ control at all times.
