Minnesota Therapy Animals
Handlers with Special Needs:
Animals with Special Needs:
Special challenges and needs of pets vary considerably.
The animal's regular veterinarian becomes one of the key
players in assessing your partner. Consulting with the
handler and the required health exam will determine whether
the animal is physically able to participate in an evaluation
and in subsequent AAA or AAT activities.
If the animal requires special accommodations or special
equipment during the evaluation, you need to discuss these
at the onset of your journey.
The animal's regular veterinarian becomes one of the key
players in assessing your partner. Consulting with the
handler and the required health exam will determine whether
the animal is physically able to participate in an evaluation
and in subsequent AAA or AAT activities.
If the animal requires special accommodations or special
equipment during the evaluation, you need to discuss these
at the onset of your journey.
| All registering organizations have stepped up to the plate in working with handlers with special needs, and that extends to animals with various challenges. Christy, Tulip's owner took the proactive approach in touching base beforehand to determine if Tulip was eligible to participate in a pet therapy program. Questions are always necessary, but they will never be evasive. All organizations take the approach of looking at the " total picture" to ensure the safety of the animal, the handler, and any client (child, patient, resident, etc) during any activity. |
If you are a person with a disability who requires
accommodations, please discuss your needs with the
Evaluator prior to the evaluation day. The Evaluator will
respect your right to privacy when discussing the
accommodations, you will not be expected to discuss
your disability with the Evaluator.
accommodations, please discuss your needs with the
Evaluator prior to the evaluation day. The Evaluator will
respect your right to privacy when discussing the
accommodations, you will not be expected to discuss
your disability with the Evaluator.
Addressing Special Issues
Commentary on Journey of Tulip
You may have noticed we chose not to "focus" on Tulip's disability in the
photo essay. Whether it is loss of limb, visual impairment, or other notable
disability it's always interesting to see that the animal never views itself as
being "disabled". Life goes on, the animal adapts a lifestyle in spite of
limitations, and it becomes a learning moment for the rest of us.
And as for Tulip. Her issue is neurological in nature. The biggest hurdle
was probably at the beginning of her life, not succumbing to failure to
thrive. Her blessing was to have a family that is proactive and continues to
do so in her care, love, training, medical attention... and yes, and sharing
her special gift of love.
You may have noticed we chose not to "focus" on Tulip's disability in the
photo essay. Whether it is loss of limb, visual impairment, or other notable
disability it's always interesting to see that the animal never views itself as
being "disabled". Life goes on, the animal adapts a lifestyle in spite of
limitations, and it becomes a learning moment for the rest of us.
And as for Tulip. Her issue is neurological in nature. The biggest hurdle
was probably at the beginning of her life, not succumbing to failure to
thrive. Her blessing was to have a family that is proactive and continues to
do so in her care, love, training, medical attention... and yes, and sharing
her special gift of love.
