Pass the Volunteer Team Evaluation

Team evaluations are performed by NCTD Team Evaluators. There are 2 parts:

1. 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. 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 four evaluations per year in the Baltimore-Washington area.  Evaluationss are made by appointment starting at 9:00 am on evaluation days and are held at various locations in Howard County, Maryland and in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Check the NCTD Calendar for upcoming Team Evaluations.  Early registration is encouraged as the evaluation slots often fill up months in advance.  

What to Bring

• 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 Volunteer Team Evaluation.

Additional Notes:

• A minimum of 5 teams are required to offer Volunteer Training courses and Team Evaluations.
• The Team Evaluation begins when you arrive on the premises and stops when you leave.
• 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 theevaluation 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/evaluation application.
• Team Evaulations 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 evaluations 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 evaluation and wish to work with NCTD will be assigned a mentor as part of NCTD's mentor program.

Send Your Completed Registration Form to: