Volunteer Therapy Dog Organizations:

Pet Partners

https://volunteer.petpartners.org/s/article/Alternate-Evaluator-Policy

Download More Info HERE

Pet Partners Alternate Evaluator Policy FAQs

Eligibility requirements?

1

  • Team may be new OR renewing.

  • The handler has completed the required Therapy Animal Handler Course.   

How do I get started?

2

  • Remember that the evaluation is just one step in the registration process – handlers must also complete steps, such as a background check; all steps are listed in the Registrations area of the Volunteer Center.  Registrations are only approved once all steps are complete.   

  • Evaluation results must be submitted no more than 90 days after the date of the evaluation.   

Complete the online handlers course BEFORE your evaluation.

3

Before your team evaluation, Pet Partners requires handlers to complete the online Handler Course.

The course covers:

  • Therapy animal ethics

  • Infection control

  • Animal welfare

  • Safety

  • Professional conduct

  • Therapy visit expectations

Completing this course ensures handlers understand the unique responsibilities of therapy animal work before being evaluated.

What happens after I pass?

4

Once your team successfully completes the evaluation, you will continue the Pet Partners registration process by:

  1. Completing your Animal Health Screening

  2. Submitting your application

  3. Completing the required background check

  4. Receiving your official Pet Partners registration

The registration process includes creating a Volunteer Center account, completing the Handler Course, submitting the health screening, passing the team evaluation, and completing the application and background check. Everything must be submitted within 90 days of your evaluation.

Volunteer Therapy Dog Organizations:

Alliance of Therapy Dogs

Temporarily Suspended July 2026 to Jan 2026

Professional Therapy Dog Organization:

Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals

Download More Info Here

Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals

https://aaaiponline.org/certification/

FAQs

What is the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP)?

1

The Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the safe, ethical, and effective practice of Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI). AAAIP provides education, professional resources, networking opportunities, and the Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS) credential for professionals working with therapy animals.

What is Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI)?

2

Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) is the intentional inclusion of a properly evaluated therapy animal as part of professional services to improve physical, emotional, educational, or social outcomes. AAI is used in healthcare, counseling, education, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, and many other professions.

Who should become AAAIP certified?

3

AAAIP certification is ideal for professionals who will use their dog when getting paid. The certification is designed for professionals who want to responsibly incorporate therapy animals into their professional practice.

What does the C-AAIS certification stand for? How is AAAIP certification different from a therapy dog certification?

4

C-AAIS stands for Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist.

These are two completely different credentials.

Therapy Dog Certification/Evaluation determines whether a dog has the temperament and skills to safely visit hospitals, schools, libraries, and other facilities.

AAAIP Professional Certification (C-AAIS) evaluates the professional's knowledge and competence in implementing Animal-Assisted Intervention safely, ethically, and effectively.

Many professionals choose to earn both credentials.