Learn the skills needed to visit safely with your animal in hospitals, nursing homes, classrooms, and other facilities. Successful completion of this course, in instructor-led or home-study format, is required for registration as a Pet Partner.

Topics include:

• Selecting and preparing animals for visits
• Identifying and decreasing stress in animals
• Animal health and safety
• Special needs of client groups
• Interacting with special people
• Facility health and safety codes
• Patient confidentiality

Complete the course in one of 2 formats offered:

1Attend a workshop.

All of our Workshops are taught by Delta Society-licensed Pet Partners Team Instructors. These Instructors have received formal training in Delta Society's Pet Partners Program, including how to better assist new Teams in preparing for their first visit. Further, our Instructors bring to each class many years of experience in Pet Partner work that is integrated into the Workshop's content.

The cost to attend a Workshop is $85 and includes Delta Society's Pet Partners Team Training Course Student Manual, the required text for the Home Study Course option, which is available directly from Delta Society for $45.95.

Our Workshops are typically held at Bethesda North Hospital during a weekend day.

These Workshops are for handlers only. No pets please.

The Instructor or another group volunteer will have a registered Pet Partner with them (the "demo dog") so that you may see an experienced Team in action.

2Complete the home study course.

For handlers who prefer to study on their own or cannot attend a workshop, Delta offers a home study version of the Pet Partners Team Training Course. The course includes a student guide with suggestions for activities that will help handlers learn the necessary skills, and registration materials. It is available for purchase on Delta's website for $45.95.

Check the listing to the left for an upcoming Pet Partners Team Workshop. Click the event you're interested in attending for more information and registration instructions.

Now on to the next step ... Apply.