When pets visit medical care facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, they bring with them unconditional love and proven medical benefits. An affectionate, trained companion animal is of immense emotional help to patients and can lead to improvements in physical and mental health.

 

AAI prep school students.

OHS can help volunteers interested in this rewarding field (officially called Animal Assisted Interactions, or AAI) in two ways:

 

If you and your pet are registered to provide services, we can help match you with a facility that would like a visit. Contact the OHS Volunteer Deptartment, email, (503) 285-7722, ext. 204.

If you are not registered, we can help train you and your pet and become registered.

 

The new AAI school at OHS prepares individuals and their animals to take the national Pet Partner Skills & Aptitude Evaluation exam administered by the Delta Society. Pet Partner teams that pass the exam are recognized  as having the skills need to bring animals into health care facilities.

 

AAI dog visits patient.

The OHS course is taught by Lori Kirby, an OHS Training and Behavior Specialist who is a licensed Delta Society Pet Partner Team Evaluator.

 

Requirements for the AAI Program:  All dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered and fully-vaccinated in order to participate.  There are no exceptions to these requirements.  At the time of your evaluation your dog or cat must be at least one year of age.  You may still participate in the prep school even if your pet is under one year.

Cost:  If you are an Oregon Humane Society volunteer, the 5-week prep course and evaluation costs $140.  For non-volunteers the cost is $200.  If you attend the prep course and your pet does not pass the evaluation, you will not be refunded your tuition cost.  Additional book purchase of $40 is also required.

 

Upcoming classes are listed here.  If you would like to enroll please fill out our online registration or call Lori at 503-802-6713