Pass the Pet Partners^® Team Screening

In order to ensure safe, quality visits, NCTD has adopted the Delta Society Pet Partners Program as the minimum criteria for team certification.  This evaluation will determine if your animal is reliable, controllable, predictable, and inspires confidence in others.

Team evaluations are performed by Delta-licensed Team Evaluators. There are 2 parts:

1. Pet Partners Skills Test (PPST).

   Animals and handlers must have basic control skills to be safe and effective on a visit. The PPST is based, with permission, on the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test and modified for species other than dogs.

2. Pet Partners Aptitude Test (PPAT).

   The PPAT simulates conditions that the team may encounter during a visit. This part of the evaluation helps determine the appropriate facilities and patient populations for the team to visit.

NCTD sponsors approximately three evaluations per year in the Baltimore-Washington area.  Screenings are made by appointment starting at 9:00 am on evaluation days and are held at the Ellicott City Senior Center, in Howard County, Maryland, or the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Check the NCTD Calendar for upcoming Team Screenings.  Early registration is appreciated. 

What to Bring

• Completed handler's questionnaire, from the Delta Pet Partners Registration Packet.
• A copy of the animal's current rabies certificate. (A rabies tag is not acceptable.)
• Animal's brush.
• If you are not the animal's owner, a note from the owner giving you permission to evaluate and work with the animal is required.
• Animal treat (if animal has special dietary needs).
• Towel (for small animal tests).
• Your animal must be on an acceptable collar/lead at all times.

You will be required to sign an indemnity form when you come to the evaluation site.

Register Now for Pet Partners Team Screening.

Additional Notes:

• A minimum of 5 teams are required to offer Pet Partners Training courses and Team Screenings.
• The Team Screening begins when you arrive on the premises and stops when you leave. Evaluators reserve the right to notify Delta of situations before or after the screening that would alter the test status accordingly. (e.g. dog snaps at another dog upon leaving area)
• The person who will work with the animal must accompany it during the evaluation.
• The evaluation will be stopped if the animal becomes stressed or if it behaves inappropriately during the evaluation or on the premises.
• The use of prong, pinch, and choke collars is prohibited.  No Flexi leashes or chain leads are allowed.
• Dogs, Cats and Birds must be at least one year of age. Other animals can be younger (e.g., rabbits, hamsters)
• Ensure your animal is free of fleas and ticks. The team (Volunteer/Pet) should be presented as if they were going on a visit.
• Pets must be restrained by leash, harness, carrier, or other appropriate manner at all times, including birds.
• If your pet is in season, on antibiotics, or otherwise doesn't feel its best, have your pet evaluated another day. (Please notify NCTD if unable to attend at list minute due to the above reasons)
• A pet will not be evaluated more than once in the same day if it is unable to complete the screening as specified.
• NO inhumane treatment of pets will be allowed on the grounds of the evaluation facility.
• The evaluation facilities are accessible for those who have disabilities.
• 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.
• Team Screenings can be rescheduled in the event you are unable to attend a session as scheduled.
• Refunds will be made for extenuating circumstances; there will be a 20% surcharge for processing refunds.
• Rescheduled screening will be given for pets in season or ill. (Documentation required)
• No refunds will be given for teams that do not pass the evaluation.

Teams that pass the team screening and wish to work with NCTD will be assigned a mentor as part of NCTD's mentor program.

For additional Pet Partners Screening Information, visit the Delta Society Pet Partners Team Evaluation page.

Send Your Completed Registration Form to: