Eligibility Criteria for Animals

• Animals must be at least 1 year old with the exception of pocket pets. Rabbits, guinea pigs and rats must be at least 6 months old.

• Birds must have lived in the owner’s home for at least 1 year. All other animals must have lived with the owner for at least 6 months.

• Animals must be reliably house-trained. For infection control purposes, waste collection devices worn by the animal aren’t considered acceptable equipment, regardless of whether visits occur indoors or outdoors. The one exception to this policy is that birds may wear flight suits.

• All animals must be on a leash at all times. This includes small animals such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and rats.

• Animals may not be fed a raw protein diet and animals with a history of aggression towards people or other pets are not eligible to participate. This includes animals trained for bite work, such as Schutzhund.

• For the safety of your animal and the people you visit, your animal should be in good health and free of internal and external parasites. Animals may not be on antibiotics, anti-fungals or immunosuppressive medications when they are evaluated or visit.

To become a registered Pet Partner

• Go to the Pet Partners website (www.petpartners.org). Under the Volunteer tab, click "Volunteer with Pet Partners." Review the information and then begin the "Registration and Application Overview."

Step 1: Create an account

Step 2: Take the Pet Partners’ Handler Course

Step 3: Complete your Pet Partners Animal Health Screening Form

Step 4: Sign up for and attend your Team Evaluation

Step 5: Complete the Volunteer Agreement, Special Initiatives, & Badge Photo sections of your application

Step 6: Submit your application and complete a background check.

To become a member of Pet Partners of Acadiana, please see our Contact Us page.