Pet Partners relies on the skills and generosity of hundreds of volunteers as instructors and team evaluators. When conducting a class or an evaluation, these volunteer leaders may incur costs such as rental fees for spaces used. Instructors and team evaluators may charge a fee to recover these costs. These amounts vary by location. Any fees paid for classes or team evaluations are separate from fees paid for registration.
Teams registering with Pet Partners pay a fee to become part of our Therapy Animal Program. As a registered therapy animal team with Pet Partners, you receive a variety of benefits including liability insurance, volunteer support, access to resources, and free continuing education coursework. Your registration fee paid to Pet Partners covers only a portion of the costs to register and support a team for two years. Pet Partners relies on charitable donations and sponsorships to continue to make this program possible.
All prospective handlers must take the Handler Course. The cost of the course online is $70. In-person workshops, taught by a local instructor, vary in cost depending on the expenses the instructor is taking on to provide the course and materials. Renewing handlers do not need to repeat their coursework unless they are renewing after a lapse of 2 or more years.
Team Evaluations are required for both new and renewing teams. Team Evaluators may charge a fee for their evaluations based on the expenses incurred to hold an evaluation event. Fee information is available when you schedule your evaluation or browse the calendar.
Registration fees are paid at the very end of your online registration process, after all your documents & information are received, reviewed, and approved by staff. A standard new team registration is $95. Other fees are available for seniors, members of the military, minors, and members of local Pet Partners Community Partner groups as outlined below.
Fees below are based on a two-year registration period and are subject to change.
| Registration Type | Two-Year Registration Fee (subject to change) |
|---|---|
| New Therapy Animal Team w/ one animal | $95 |
| Renewing Therapy Animal Team w/ one animal | $70 |
| Community Partner Member w/ one animal, new or renewing | $50 |
| Senior aged 55 and over; minor; military or military dependent; individual with a disability | $50 |
| Therapy Animal Team Additional Handler (animal already registered w/ another handler) | $30 per handler |
| Therapy Animal Team Additional Animal (handler has active registration w/ another animal) | $30 per animal |