Pet Partners

Already recognized as the gold standard for therapy animal programs and the only national organization registering multiple species, we are committed to expanding the number of registered therapy animal teams and strengthening support for our existing teams. Pet Partners is always looking to provide more opportunities for handlers and their pets. Some areas for potential expansion include creating educational materials and training for teams wishing to volunteer in the criminal justice system, teams interested in the motivation for physical activity that an animal partner provides, and an evaluation to look for suitability for volunteering with children.

Longer terms objectives include the creation of the first grassroots advocacy network dedicated to advancing legislation and public policy in support of the human health benefits of the Human Animal Bond and expanding our efforts to advocate for the importance of companion animals for human health.

Pet Partners has recently leveraged board advised funds to invest in fundraising to ensure the long term stability and growth of Pet Partners. Pet Partners' expanded approach to fundraising will make the organization more sustainable and able to take on new programs so that more people can receive the physical and mental health benefits of the human animal bond.

Pet Partners has a wide network of thousands of volunteer therapy animal teams who are committed to bringing comfort and healing to those who need it most. Our volunteers are supported by a customer service team that responds to inquiries, provides tech support, and guides volunteers through the registration process. Pet Partners' online Volunteer Center lets teams know of volunteer opportunities in their community and includes ongoing educational materials. The Volunteer Center ensures that our teams stay engaged with our mission even after they have completed the registration process.

Pet Partners is constantly growing and improving as an organization. Recent successes include:
- The launch of two special initiatives: Read with Me and Walk with Me
- A new endorsement for teams who wish to visit with children
- The launch of the World's Largest Pet Walk, and awareness campaign to encourage healthy activity through walking with pets.
- Growth of our advocacy initiative, which will organize advocates around issues addressing the human-animal bond and therapy animals.

Upcoming goals include implementing an Animal-Assisted Crisis Response program and strengthening ties with local facilities and communities so we can better serve those in need of animal-assisted therapy.