The Importance of Standards

Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) can provide a variety of benefits to people, but without careful consideration of safety standards, well intentioned handlers, therapy animal organizations and facilities could jeopardize access to therapy animals.

Pet Partners has compiled the expert guidance on this topic. Standards of Practice in Animal-Assisted Interventions, originally published in 1996, has recently been re-released as an eBook with current best practices animals and handlers should meet, regardless of their organizational affiliation. A summary document is available for free download here:

Therapy Animal Program Standards

The Pet Partners Promise

Committed to professionalizing volunteer-based therapy animal visitation, the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program standards align not just with Standards of Practice in AAI, but also with recommendations by the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the American Journal of Infection Control, the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO), and the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA). Read more about the Pet Partners’ Standards here:

Pet Partners Program Standards

Let’s be sure we’re balancing our enthusiasm for sharing animals with safety and best practices.

Passionate about ensuring ongoing access to therapy animals for those who may benefit most? Join our advocacy program.