NCTD Policies and Procedures

In order to ensure safe, effective visits for volunteers, their teammates, and the client, NCTD abides by the Policies and Procedures outlined by the Delta Society® Pet Partners® Program.

1. Handlers shall visit with only one animal at a time.
2. Handlers shall visit only with animals registered as Delta Society® Pet Partners®.
3. If teams visit outside of NCTD, they shall ensure that policies and procedures are in place regarding AAA/AAT by providing the facility(s) they visit with a copy of the Facility Policy Agreement. The Facility Policy Agreement is located in the Pet Partners® Training Manual or available directly from Delta Society®. (NCTD also has an NCTD Facility Profile and an NCTD Facility Agreement for new NCTD facilities.)
4. Handlers shall abide by all policies, procedures, and precautions of each facility visited.
5. Handlers shall check in with the staff/supervisor upon arrival for each visit.
6. Handlers shall observe all rules of privacy and confidentiality.
7. Handlers shall be on time for every commitment made.
8. Handlers shall be responsible at all times for their animal, considering their welfare first. Always stay with the animal and in control at all times. For safety, all animals must wear a collar/harness and be on lead at all times.
9. Prior to each visit, handlers shall:
   • Assess animal's overall health and attitude. Animals should not visit if they are ill.
   • Clean and brush the animal according to facility or program requirements.
   • Cut and file the animal’s nails.
   • Clean the animal’s eyes and ears.
   • Allow the animal time to exercise and eliminate
10. Handlers shall dress appropriately for the volunteer assignment.
11. Handlers shall clean up after the animal inside and outside the facility.
12. Handlers shall not tie animals to people, equipment, or furniture while visiting.
13. Use of drugs and/or alcohol is strictly prohibited on the day of the visit.
14. Handlers shall not routinely give or accept gifts from people they visit.
15. Handlers shall not charge fees for their services.
16. In case of an accident or unusual occurrence, handlers shall:
    • Secure the animal
    • Get help for the injured person
    • Notify the facility contact in writing
    • Fill out all necessary documentation
    • End the visit
    • Notify the organization sponsoring the event
    • Notify Delta Society® using the Pet Partners® Program Incident Report
    • Evaluate the situation for ways to prevent a future occurrence

If you have any questions about these policies and procedures, contact us at 301-585-NCTD (6283) or info@nctdinc.org.