What to Bring to The Evaluation

To be registered as a Pet Partners team, you and your animal must be evaluated by a licensed Pet Partners Evaluator.  The evaluation process consists of the Pet Partners Skills Test (PPST) and the Pet Partners Aptitude Test (PPAT).

To test basic good behavior skills, animals and their handlers complete the PPST. This test was modeled, with permission, after the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test. Health care equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers, has been added to the test. Skills are evaluated for how well the team can manage in an unfamiliar setting, such as a nursing home, hospital, school, etc. There are 12 items in the PPST.

The PPST is also used for screening cats and other animals. These animals do not perform all of the test items in the same way. For example, instead of walking on a leash, rabbits and cats must show that they can be carried in a basket or in the handler's arms.

 

The Pet Partners Aptitude Test 
(PPAT) is a combination of scenarios in which the individual exercises flow from one to another. The order of the exercises allows for escalation of stressors during testing.  During the PPAT, the handler and animal should interact (i.e., role play) with the evaluator and assistants as though they are people being visited at a facility. The handler should be able to work with the animal while at the same time interacting socially with the "client" (evaluator and assistants) as if on a visit.

The following items are required for new and renewal evaluations.

​Evaluation Checklist

• Your completed Handler’s Questionnaire Form 

• Proof of current rabies vaccination, such as a certificate or vaccination records from the veterinarian

• A towel, small blanket or basket, if the animal will be carried

• An acceptable collar or harness and an acceptable leash

• Course Completion Certificate or a previous Pet Partners badge for renewing teams

• A brush or comb that would be appropriate to take on a visit

• Treats to use for one specific evaluation exercise

• If you’re between the ages of 10 and 16, a parent or guardian to accompany you at the evaluation

• If you are requesting modifications to evaluation exercises or permission to use equipment not listed as acceptable, a letter of accommodation provided to you by Pet Partners