Many people are interested in the field of animal-assisted activities and therapy (AAA/T) as a career. This information is designed to help you understand the field and requirements for working in the field.

Background and Terminology

As you may know, the term "pet therapy" is outmoded and is no longer used. The term was misleading (we do not perform therapy on pets) and was used in situations where the interaction was clearly not therapy (only a credentialed therapist can provide therapy), even though it may have been therapeutic. The terms now used are animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) (see information about AAA/T). Delta Society uses definitions that come from Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy. Refer to "What's the difference between service, therapy, companion, and 'social' animals/dogs?" for current terminology. Because of your interest in the field, people will look to you to know and use accurate terminology. These terms are important when evaluating career opportunities, as well.

Becoming an AAA/AAT Specialist
  • What is an AAT Specialist?
  • What does an AAT Specialist do?
  • What is the difference between an AAA Specialist and an AAT Specialist?

You will find answers to those questions in Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy. This book includes definitions and vocational profiles for these positions, emphasizing both knowledge and skills needed to safely work in these positions.

People who wish to work as an Animal-Assisted Activities Specialist do not provide therapy, so they may not need an advanced degree in a health or human services field. AAA Specialists do, however, require training and skills in both people-related and animal-related areas.

People who wish to work as an Animal-Assisted Therapy Specialist must first be credentialed in their field of choice (nursing, social work, counseling, teaching, physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, etc.). Many of the positions utilizing these degrees require a masters degree in order to practice therapy.

Education and Training in AAA/AAT

Not every school is aware of AAT as a legitimate therapeutic modality. Many students help educate their schools and integrate AAT into their degree program by:

  • Bringing in special speakers on AAT.
  • Designing AAT projects or practicums.
  • Doing research or thesis projects on AAT.

In addition, not every business is knowledgeable about the practice of AAT. Thus, many therapists obtain the job first, and then work to add the AAT component.

Students and credentialed practitioners learn how to incorporate AAT into their practice through:

  • Reading books.
  • Subscribing to professional journals.
  • Networking with others.
  • Attending local seminars and national conferences.

Delta Society's yearly national conferences offer unparalleled opportunities to learn new skills, improve education, and network with others in the field.

Delta Society offers training for health and human service professionals. The training is offered as a hands-on course, covering such areas as client assessment, AAT techniques, documentation, and evaluation. If you know of a facility or group who would like to sponsor such a course, we will be happy to bring these courses to you.

People who work in the field of AAA/T must be versatile, flexible, and have a well-rounded education. AAA/T Specialists must screen animals they work with for suitable skills and aptitude and match them with appropriate client populations. AAA/T Specialists are often asked to train others (volunteers or colleagues) in the field. For this reason, Delta Society also offers Animal Evaluator and Volunteer Instructor courses and licenses. These courses broaden your education in the field and provide you with the training you need to provide comprehensive animal screening and instruction to people.

Delta Society has many books in the Online Store that provide education about AAA/T. You can also order books about AAA/T through the Delta Society Online Store Business Partners, in association with Amazon.com and Dogwise. Check the course schedule for information about AAA/T courses.

AAA/AAT Degree and Certification Programs

While the numbers of certificate programs and advanced degree programs that specifically include AAT as part of their coursework are increasing, relatively few exist across the United States. Information about some of these programs follows. There may be additional educational programs not included here. If you learn of other options not listed, please ask them to send us information about their program so that they may be included and the list may be more complete. Delta Society makes no guarantees about the course content of these programs and encourages you to search carefully for the program that will best meet your needs. View List

Getting Started in AAA/AAT with Delta Society Pet Partners®

If you would like to work in the field of AAA/T, the place to begin is the Pet Partners® program. Pet Partners is our international screening and training program for AAA/T animal handlers. Many facilities which have AAA/T programs have made Pet Partners a prerequisite. Pet Partners provides several benefits to organizations or individuals wishing to have an AAA/T program:

  • Standardized training for animal handlers in how to share their animal companions appropriately.
  • Standardized skills and aptitude screening for animals and handlers as a team.
  • Skills and aptitude screening is performed by Delta Society-licensed evaluators.
  • Standardized health screening for animals, performed by licensed veterinarians.
  • Primary liability insurance for the volunteer team.
  • ID tags for handlers and animals.
  • Continuing education about AAA/T skills through quarterly newsletter.
  • Two-year renewal.

The training for animal handlers is based on Standards of Practice and is offered as a hands-on course or in a home-study format. It covers such topics as volunteer needs and responsibilities, animal stress and screening, how to work with specific kinds of clients, general visiting techniques, and facilities' policies, staff, and concerns. You can order the home-study version. A schedule of courses is also available.

Benefits of Delta Society Membership

If you are not already, you are encouraged to become a Delta Society member. With a membership, you receive a subscription to Interactions, a twice-yearly publication focusing on AAT and human-animal bond issues. Interactions will help you keep current in the field.