1) How can my pet become a certified therapy pet with PATS?

Here is what you need to do in order for your pet to become a certified therapy pet with PATS:

First your pet friend will need to pass a behaviour test. This test must be performed at a veterinary clinic they have never been to and by a licensed veterinarian your pet has never met. Check the list of veterinarians on our website or call us and let us know who your current veterinarian is and the area you live in and we will give you the name of the closest veterinarian who can perform this test. The veterinarians who provide the behaviour tests do this as a free service for PATS so it doesn’t cost you anything. The test may take about an hour. Typically the veterinarian will discuss the results with you and also send a copy of the results to PATS.

Once your pet has passed the behaviour test we will call you to set up an orientation. The orientation will take about an hour and at this time we will talk with you about visiting etiquette, safety procedures and confidentiality and also ask you what facilities you would like to visit and tell you about upcoming visits. Throughout the year, volunteers also have the opportunity to attend workshops presented by health care professionals.

The cost of the orientation, the PATS gear that you will be given and the first year of membership is $20 so please bring cash or a cheque to the orientation. Each subsequent year costs $12 to renew your membership.

At the orientation you will receive:

  • PATS handbook
  • Membership card
  • Volunteer name tag
  • PATS turquoise bandana for your pet
  • “I am a therapy pet” pet tag

Your pet must be healthy and their vaccinations must be up to date. You are responsible to pay for the vaccines and to keep these up-to-date. The Rabies vaccination is required by PATS. Rabies vaccines given to a puppy or kitten will last for one year and then all subsequent shots last for up to three years. If you prefer to have a blood test instead (a titer which measures the presence and amount of antibodies in blood) discuss this with your veterinarian. Also ask your veterinarian about whether he/she would also recommend the Distemper and Kennel Cough (Bordetella) vaccination.