Step 2: Attend the Pet Partners Volunteer Training Course

About the Course

In order to assure safe, quality visits, NCTD feels it is important to have trained handlers.  Therefore, NCTD has adopted the Delta Society Pet Partner's Program as a minimum criteria for teams.

While this is an OPTIONAL course, it is highly recommended. It is designed to supplement the Delta Society Pet Partner Home Study Course.

In the NCTD sponsored Pet Partner Team Training Course, we will highlight core concepts and expand on key areas through presentations, demonstrations, videos, and class activities.  The class moves quickly, so be prepared! It is strongly recommended that you order and study the materials prior to class.

Topics

In the Pet Partner Home Study course, you will learn the fundamental concepts of Animal-Assisted-Activities and  Therapy needed to visit safely with your animal in hospitals, nursing homes, classrooms, and other facilities. Topics include:

• Selecting and preparing animals for visits.
• Identifying and decreasing stress in animals.
• Animal health and safety.
• Special needs of client groups.
• Interacting with special people.
• Facility health and safety codes.
• Patient confidentiality.
• Delta Society's team screening process.
• Delta Society's registration process.

When and Where

NCTD sponsors a Delta Society approved Pet Partner Team Training Course training in the Baltimore-Washington area approximately three times each year. The training sessions generally run from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm and are held at the Florence Bain Senior Center or the Ellicott City Senior Center, in Howard County, Maryland or at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Upcoming NCTD-sponsored training classes can be found on the NCTD Calendar. Early registration is appreciated.

Pet Partners training classes outside the Baltimore-Washington area can be found on the Delta Calendar of Courses and Events.

Register Now for the Pet Partners Team Training

Additional Notes:

• Sorry, No Dogs Allowed during Pet Partners Team Training.
• Remember to order the training workbook prior to class using the Delta Pet Partners Home Study Course Order Form.
• Dress comfortably.
• Light refreshments and/or lunch will be provided, depending on class times.
• A minimum of 5 people are required to offer Volunteer Training.  Class size is limited to 15 people.
• Registrations are acceptable up to three days before class is held.
• Monies must be received prior to attending class.
• Please be respectful with beepers and cell phones.
• If you must bring a child, please supervise him/her accordingly.
• The training facilities is accessible for those who have disabilities. If you have any special needs, please advise NCTD ahead of time.
• Financial Assistance is available via the "Gandalf Fund". Individuals requesting assistance are to write a letter to the NCTD Board for review. Forward letters with your training/screening application.
• Training sessions can be rescheduled in the event you are unable to attend session as scheduled.
• Refunds will be made for extenuating circumstances; there will be a 20% surcharge for processing refunds.

Send Your Completed Registration Form to:

Next Step - Therapy Dog Training Course