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What is animal-assisted therapy? Animal-assisted therapy is one of the many forms of alternative healing therapies. Animals can promote healing by means of different types of therapies, including physical, emotional and mental. Like all professional therapy, animal-assisted therapy requires professional medical staff supervision, establishment of goals and methods, and careful documentation of progress. The value of animals in promoting healing and growth is becoming increasingly recognized among professional care providers, clinical practitioners, and educators. Today trained and certified animal/handler teams are used in medical, psychiatric, rehabilitation, and special education facilities throughout the world to provide a medium for assisting individuals where traditional methods fall short. What is AAT? AAT is the acronym for animal-assisted therapy. How do I get started with animal-assisted therapy? If you think your animal is suitable for therapy, the first step is to register for training at the Delta Society Pet Partners Workshop. To do this, just complete the online registration form and mail UAATA. Or, give us a call at (801) 280-1855. Do I have to have an animal to be involved? You do not have to have an animal to get involved with animal-assisted therapy. We welcome members who would like to be co-handlers, and/or who would like to get involved with the UAATA staff. We always need extra help at facilities and with administrative tasks! How do I know if my pet is suitable for animal-assisted therapy? Your pet may be suitable for AAT if the following is true: For more details about your pet's suitability, please call UAATA at (801) 280-1855, and/or contact the Delta Society (www.deltasociety.org). How much time must I commit to be involved? You can commit to whatever amount of time you would like to give, according to your schedule. There is an initial 12 hour Delta Society training course (for dates see the "Training" page of this website). After the human attends the course, they sign-up for the Delta Society Team Screening/Evaluation (takes approximately 40 minutes. The team is allowed three attempts (several months apart) to pass the screening/evaluation that is required before being able to volunteer at one of UAATA's pre-approved facilities. After that, teams may volunteer as often as once a week, or as little as once a month for an hour at a time. Are any costs involved in getting registered? There is a charge for the Delta Society training course and evaluation (see below). After that, all UAATA-related training and support is free. Where can I perform animal-assisted therapy with my animal? If you become a member of UAATA after receiving your Delta Society registration, you can choose from a variety of different types of pre-approved health, human service, and educational facilities, including nursing homes, government agencies, shelters, hospitals, psychiatric units, etc. What is the Delta Society? The Delta Society is the leading international resource for the human-animal bond. Delta Society has been the force to validate the important role of animals for people's health and well-being by promoting the results of research to the media and health and human services organizations. The mission of the Delta Society is to improve human health through service and therapy animals. To find out more about the Delta Society, just visit their web site at: deltasociety.org What is the "Pet Partners" program? Delta Society's Pet Partners Program trains volunteers and screens volunteers and their pets for visiting animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities. Pet Partners Program was established in 1990 to ensure that "both ends of the leash," people as well as animals, were well prepared to participate in AAA and AAT programs. Pet Partners is the only national registry that requires volunteer training and screening of animal/handler teams. Delta's national network links volunteers with facilities in their own communities that request visiting pets and helps Pet Partners contact facilities to begin visits in new locations. What types of animals can be registered for animal-assisted therapy? There are a great many species that make wonderful visiting animals and can form a strong human-animal bond. Only domesticated animals may become Pet Partners. Per the Delta Society, examples of registered pets include: How do I get trained and registered to perform animal-assisted therapy? UAATA members can start performing animal-assisted therapy or activity after becoming a registered Pet Partner Team. To become trained and registered, the following steps are required by the Delta Society: Step 1: Pet Partners Team Training Course. Offered by UAATA; see the "Training" page for course dates. Step 2: Health Screening for Your Pet. To be completed by your animal's veterinarian. Step 3: Team Evaluation. Offered by UAATA; see the "Training" page for evaluation dates. Step 4: Registration Packet & Fee. Includes test, health certification by vet, fee and all required documents to be sent to the Delta Society. About UAATA Frequently Asked Questions Mission Statement What We Value Board and Staff Funding |
