We are proud to be acknowledged
by the internationally-recognized Delta Society as 2007 Beyond
Limits Awards Finalist Pet Partners® Affiliate of the Year
Missing from photo are Tanya and
Dudley, Jennifer and Margaux and Moose, Paul and Lily, Melissa
and Lola (Successor to the amazing Peaches - No longer with
us but never forgotten.)
ABOUT BISHPETS
BISHPets is a service developed and implemented by Brain Injury
Services of Hamilton (BISH), Haldimand-Norfolk, Niagara to provide
animal assisted activity and animal assisted therapy (AAA/AAT)
to BISH participants. BISHPets visit at BISH facilities and
also do outreach in the community through a terrific literacy-assistance
program, Paws for Reading, at the Hamilton Public Library and
visiting at various agencies and hospitals.
BISHPets developed their program in affiliation with the
Delta Society, a member of the International Association of
Human-Animal Interaction Organizations. In order to become a
member of the BISHPets team, applicants must first become a
registered Delta Pet Partner. Delta testing involves comprehensive
personality and aptitude testing of both handler and animal.
Upon successful completion of the evaluation a health screening
must also be completed. An application for registration is then
submitted to Delta. BISHPets members provide full support to
prospective volunteers throughout this process.
In addition to providing training, liability insurance
and support, the Delta Society also provides an opportunity
for BISHPet handlers to become licensed trainers and evaluators.
For more information about the Delta Society visit
www.deltasociety.org.
Learn More
To evaluate behavior skills, animals and their handlers
complete a Pet Partners® Skills Test (PPST) that includes some
basic obedience skills. This test was modeled, with permission,
after the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test.
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.
There is also an aptitude test to help determine if the
animal and handler have the necessary social skills and ease
of acceptance required to function comfortably in hospital and
other similar environments.
The required health screening is completed by your animal's
regular veterinarian. The vet will verify that the animal has
passed a general physical exam and received current rabies immunization
and will also perform a fecal exam to confirm the animal is
free from internal and external parasites.
Interested volunteer applicants may wish to learn more
about the test requirements and practice the tests with their
pets to confirm their suitability. Full details of the tests
and some answers to frequently asked questions are available
in our BISHPets Training Requirements & FAQs booklet. Please
contact Lian
Ellis, Coordinator Volunteer Services if you would like
a copy.
PET PARTNERS® TEAM TRAINING COURSE (12 hour course)
This course is taught by a Delta licensed Pet Partner Instructor.
The 12-hour training will teach you how to safely and effectively
visit with your pet (Dogs, cats, birds and other domesticated animals)
in residential facilities, hospitals, schools and other locations.
Initial training is provided through course work.
The Delta Society Team Training Manual, which you may already have,
is a requirement for attending. If you have not already purchased a manual
they will be available at a cost of $40.00 (Shipping/taxes included). The
next course will take place in Toronto, ON. Details regarding cost and
location will be posted soon.
Next Evaluation Date
Is your pet reliable, predictable, controllable? If you
answered "yes!", our next BISHPet team evaluation date is October 19, 2008 For more details
click here.
