Christian Hickcox and animal teammate, Moose, a Labrador retriever recently qualified to become a registered Delta Society Pet Partners (therapy animal) team. The team joins several others in the Joplin area.
Established in 1990, the Pet Partners program ensures that people as well as animals are prepared to participate in animal assisted therapy programs. Pet Partners registered pets are brought to hospitals, assisted-living, hospice, physical and occupational therapy centers, schools, libraries and many other places to bring joy, comfort and inspiration.
To qualify the handler/animal team must complete special training, including passing a 22-part skills and aptitude test and the animal must complete a health screening. Teams are re-evaluated every two years.
To learn more about Delta Society go to www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=183.
