Start Your Own AAT Program

Starting your own Pet Visitation Program

Do you live in an area that doesn't offer AAT services?  Would you like to start your own program?  The SF/SPCA offers counsel on beginning companion animal visiting programs.  We work cooperatively with existing programs to promote best practices and improve services.

Initial questions to consider:

  1. What are your reasons for starting a pet visitation program?  Is there a demand for a program in the community?
  2. Where will the program provide services; i.e. what geographic area or specific facilities?
  3. What types of pets will be allowed into the program?
  4. How will handlers and pets be selected for participation in the program?
  5. How will handlers and pets be trained and who will train them?
  6. What specific functions will the organizing body perform; e.g. scheduling teams, keeping current health certificates on file, keeping memoranda of understanding (contracts) current, setting program policy, etc?
  7. How will your program deal with liability and umbrella insurance for visiting teams?
  8. What infection control policies will you put into place for the safety of both clients and teams?  Note that you will likely need to work within established parameters of healthcare facility infection control and risk management policies.
  9. What amount of funding will you need for your program and how will you secure it?

Long term questions to consider:

  1. How do you anticipate the needs of your community developing, expanding, or changing?
  2. How will you work to meet the needs of your community?
  3. Do you envision your program offering one or many types of therapy in the future?  What structures need to be put into place in order to meet those eventual goals?
  4. What are your staffing needs?
  5. How will you continue to attract highly qualified teams?
  6. How will you continue to meet funding goals?

For more in depth counsel on beginning a program, or taking your existing program to the next level, please call 415.554.3058 or email AAT@sfspca.org.  Be sure to note in your message that you are interested in starting a program or improving your current program.