The AAT arranges with volunteers to provide a cat who best meets the criteria of the therapy situation. Sometimes the clients are best served by a cat and dog team. This can be arranged through Pets and People . Volunteers are appraised of the type of clients with whom they will be interacting. Anyone found to be allergic to animals or afraid of them are offered the option of participating in the program.
Volunteers work in a specific setting for a specific amount of time.
We try to take the same animals to the same clients, by the same handler, on the same day of the week, and at the same time every week. This helps clients anticipate the interaction and provides for more orientation. After the therapy session is complete, volunteers and program staff evaluate the interactions. Each person contributes their observations and assessments of the sessions. The program staff then note clients' interaction on their health care record.