The Delta Society (www.deltasociety.org) is another major source of training and certification for therapy dogs through its Pet Partners program, established in 1990. It provides training and screening for people who want to visit hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities with their animals. Currently, over 6,400 Pet Partners teams operate in all fifty states and four other countries, helping more than 900,000 people each year.

Successful completion of its Pet Partners course, in either an instructorled classroom or home-study format, is required for registration. The course is usually presented in a day-long workshop where you will receive the Pet Partners Team Training Course Manual and practice visiting skills. Taught by Delta-licensed instructors, the courses are scheduled throughout the year in locations all over the country.

Next you must have your vet complete a health screening for your dog, attesting to its physical well-being, lack of parasites, and its up-to-date immunization record. Then a team evaluation process will determine how well you handle your dog, how it responds to you as its handler, and how you interact with the evaluator and others involved in the process. Think of it as a temperament test for humans! Your dog's behavior and responsiveness will be evaluated as well. After you have both passed these tests, you will receive a signed and dated copy of your test forms that include the date when you submit your completed registration packet to the Delta Society.

Once you have received your badge and certificate of registration from the Delta Society, you and your dog are officially a Pet Partner team and are permitted to conduct visits as such. In order to remain active as a registered Pet Partner with all the benefits it entails, you and your dog must be re-evaluated every two years. Registered Pet Partners are covered by liability insurance when they are performing therapy work.