Another possible source might be veterinarians in your area. No, we don't provide certification for dogs. The animals in our program don't require any type of special certification or training. Besides checking to make sure the animal is healthy, the vet will check its temperament by doing some basic pain tolerance tests to see how the animal reacts to different types of stimuli. The purpose of our visits is to provide a little happiness to those who are often very lonely or depressed due to the isolation that has become part of their daily lives.
PATS visits bring a little happiness into their otherwise lonely and depressing existence.
Pet Assisted Therapy Services is a California non-profit organization made up of volunteers. We do have an insurance policy that covers any losses or damages to the facilities that we visit. Our pets are often in the company of adults or children in wheelchairs or those who do not have complete control over their limbs and movements, thus they may be bumped by a wheelchair or poked or pulled at by one of the persons they are visiting. Our organization depends on donations from individuals, sponsorships and grants to provide its community-wide pet therapy services. All donations are tax deductible.