Learn More About Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)

OHS AAT prep school students

• What is AAT?
• AAT is not a Service Dog Training Program
• Training Opportunities at OHS
• Prices
• Program Requirements
• Go to Current Class Schedule

 

 

 

 

What is AAT?

OHS AAT Pet Partners Tinker and Bell

When pets visit public facilities such as hospitals and libraries, they bring with them unconditional love and proven psychological and medical benefits. A visit from an affectionate, trained companion animal and his or her handler is of immense emotional help to children and adults. AAT has been shown to enhance both physical and mental health.

 

The Oregon Humane Society can help individuals interested in this rewarding practice: check out our training opportunities below.

 

Not sure your dog is ready for this program? Consider scheduling a free pre-interview to help determine your dog's appropriateness for the program. Email us or call (503) 802-6713 to schedule.

 

What AAT Isn't

The Oregon Humane Society does not offer service dog training nor provide funding for individuals who want to acquire service dogs.  Service Dogs are trained to be a companion to one person who often has a specific disability. You can find more information on these websites: www.affluent.net/sara/ or www.cci.org. 

 

 

Training Opportunities at OHS

 

We offer training for both you and your pet so that you can become registered with the national organization Pet Partners.

 

Go to our current class schedule page.

I. Pet Partner All-Inclusive Training Course

 

Includes:

• All-day manual training for people only
• Four weeks of specialized dog training
• 30 minute private training with the instructor
• One evaluation opportunity
• Pet Partners Manual

 

Come learn the skills you need to provide caring, professional and safe visits with your pet to hospitals, assisted-living facilities, classrooms, libraries, schools and other facilities. The Pet Partner Class offers extensive instruction regarding the practice of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) along with role-playing exercises to improve your skills for visiting different types of people and settings. This classroom instruction is for people only; please leave pets at home.

 

 

II. AAT Pet Partner Class (for people only)

 

We offer an all day Pet Partner Class several times a year for handlers only.

 

Go to our current class schedule page.

 

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Prices

• Pet Partner All-Inclusive Training Course: For one fee of $250, you will be entitled to the all day Pet Partner manual training, four weeks of specialized dog training, a 30 minute private training with the instructor, the Pet Partners manual (a value of $40) and one evaluation opportunity to become a Pet Partner.
• Pet Partner Class: $150 for all-day workshop, for people only; cost includes one evaluation opportunity and your Pet Partners manual.

 

Proceeds from registration fees support the animals and programs at OHS. Thank you!

 

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Requirements for AAT Classes

• At the time of your Pet Partner evaluation your pet must be at least one year of age.  You may still participate in other training opportunities even if your pet is under one year. 
• If ultimately you wish to visit facilities in the community as an Oregon Humane Society volunteer, you will also need to complete the OHS New Volunteer Orientation which is offered monthly.  Please note, you do not have to volunteer in the shelter as an OHS AAT volunteer unless you wish to do so.

 

Go to our current class schedule page.

 

Questions?

 

Call the behavior department if you have any questions (503) 802-6713.

 

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