Workshop and Evaluation Description

Pets must have a Canine Good Citizen certificate through the American Kennel Club prior to applying to Pet Therapy of the Ozarks. If you need help finding a location to take this
test, let us know.

Current members must also apply for evaluation of additional pets.

Below is a brief overview of the Community Good Citizen testing program PTO has developed to determine if your pet can become a therapy pet. You will be asked to take your pet for a “walk through our community” and demonstrate the skills needed for being a Good Community Citizen. Eight different stations will be manned by evaluators who appraise the handlers’ and pets’ ability to adapt to situations they will experience on a therapy visit. Your pet will be asked to walk on a loose lead, sit, down and stay during any of these stations.

Station One: “Separation” – An evaluator will stay with your pet while you go into another room to observe the Workshop course. Your dog should not exhibit any anxiety, e.g., whining, barking, panting, nervousness, etc.

Station Two: “At the Vet” – You and your dog will meet a stranger who will examine your pet’s hair, nails, feet and teeth. Your pet must remain calm and not jump on the stranger. You will be asked to put the pet in a stay or wait position, walk away from the pet, then call the pet.

Station Three: “Interacting with folks” – Your dog will interact with several people seated on chairs. Your pet should approach the individuals willingly to be touched and petted.

Station Four: “Walking Your Pet” – You and your dog will begin walking on a loose leash, pass another dog walking on a loose leash, and then encounter and pass through a “crowd” of moving people, similar to what you may encounter when entering a facility lobby.

Station Five: “A Surprise” – You and your pet must pass a distraction such as treats, toys, or a ball. You will also hear a loud noise from a vacuum cleaner. Your pet must leave the treats alone and not interact aggressively towards the vacuum.

Station Six: “Meet and Greet” – Your pet will heel as you approach a stranger with a dog. Your dog must sit while you visit and shake hands with the stranger.

Station Seven: “At the Hospital” – This station simulates some situations you may encounter at a hospital, nursing home, etc. You and your pet will meet a person reclining on a bed (cot,) using crutches, a walker, a wheelchair, and a cane. Your pet should be comfortable interacting with these individuals and not shy away from them.

Station Eight: “Behavior Unit” – You and your pet will approach a group of seated “patients,” and visit with each of them. The “patients” will exhibit behaviors consistent with those found in some facilities, e.g., pulling the dog’s ears and tail, completely ignoring your dog, and speaking in a loud vice to your pet. Again, your pet should be comfortable in this setting.

Cats, rabbits and birds will be tested on the portions of this test that are applicable to that species. These pets will be subjected to intensive and repeated handling.