1. All pets must be one year old, but less than ten years.  Pet must be "owned" by you for one year.
2. Dogs must come to the Qualifying/Training Class already trained in basic obedience.
3. Dogs must have current inoculations for:

   Rabies
   Distemper
   CAV-2-Adenovirus
   Bordetella
   Parainfluenza
   Parvo Virus
   Parasite Control (for heartworm, fleas and ticks)

4. Cats must have current inoculations for:

   Rabies
   Panleukopenia
   Rhinotrachetis
   Calici Virus
   Parasite Control  (for heartworm, fleas and ticks)

   Also, if applicable:

   Leukemia
   Chlamydia

5. All pets must have a yearly physical, fecal check, and heartworm test.
6. All pets must be given heartworm preventative medication year round.

• TEMPERAMENT  (People Pleasing Personality)
  
  
• SOCIALIZED  (Secure in new and strange places...gets along well with other pets.)
  
  
• OBEDIENT   (Obeys owner and under control at all times)
  
  
• EXCELLENT HEALTH   (Annual physical exams and all required inoculations kept current.)
  
  
• SQUEAKY CLEAN   (Including clean ears, eyes, fresh breath, toenails trimmed smooth.
  Applicant will not be permitted to attend class if pet is dirty!)
  
  
• DOGS MUST BE CONTROLLABLE WITHOUT CHOKE CHAIN or
  PINCH COLLAR AND ON LEASH AT ALL TIMES.
  (Use short 3 or 4 ft leash, no Flexi-lead. No harness on dogs over 25 lbs.)
  
  
• CATS MUST BE HARNESS TRAINED AND ON LEASH AT ALL TIMES.
  (Also well adapted to carrier and auto travel.)

People Requirements

(Must be 18 years of age)

Qualifying and Training Class

Both applicant and dog must attend TPPT's two-hour class.  Cat owners must attend the class, but cats will be evaluated at the TPPT office prior to the day of the class.  The first half of the orientation class is an explanation of TPPT’s rules and regulations.  The second half of the class is a “hands on” walk-through with TPPT Evaluators simulating situations encountered in healthcare facilities; such as, wheelchairs, walkers, etc. 

Paperwork

Applicants will be given the "Pet Pal Pointer" handbook outlining TPPT’s rules and regulations.  Instructions for the proper completion of the application and other required TPPT forms will be given at the class. 

Training

After successful completion and processing of paperwork, the trainee and pet will be assigned an experienced TPPT Trainer, who will make a minimum of three training visits with them at a healthcare facility. 

Visitations

TPPT membership requires a firm commitment of a minimum of two visits per month to your assigned facility.  This provides adequate time to establish a "bond" between the residents and the TPPT volunteers. Many residents/patients have very few, if any other visitors, so TPPT visits become an important and anxiously awaited part of their routine.

For information about pre-screening, contact numbers, and class dates click HERE.

Thanks for considering volunteering for Therapy Pet Pals of Texas.