Thank you for your interest in Starting an AAA/T Program. This document outlines the steps necessary to begin and maintain your program. Check out the Delta Society web site (www.deltasociety.org) for more information about our organization, programs, and AAA/T. (download PDF version of this document now)

INITIAL SET-UP (STEP 1):

Educate your facility about AAA/T through viewing Delta Society’s Introducing Visiting Animal Program video. This eight minute video provides an overview of how to get started, resources, what needs to happen before animal-handler teams make their first visit, the difference between AAA, AAT and Service animals, plus more. In addition to the video, this kit includes a guide and brochure.

Review Animals in Residential Facilities: Guidelines and Resources for Success. This is a comprehensive publication from Delta Society that may well become the bible for facilities wishing to establish any type of animal program (live-in animals, visiting animals, staff animals and outdoor animals). Divided into 4 sections, the book gives detailed information on every aspect of animal-related programs. Packed with information, this book also includes sample forms and language to use when establishing a program, information on getting started, guidelines, species profiles/selection and numerous resources. No facility who is considering an animal program should be without this valuable resource. Contributors include professionals from a wide range of fields, including: retirement housing, veterinary medicine, nursing home administration, animal-assisted activities/therapy (AAA/T), animal behavior and mental health.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (STEP 2):

Establish your program’s policies and procedures using Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy. This Delta Society handbook provides guidance in administrative structure, standards of practice, personnel credentials, vocational profiles, treatment plan development, documentation, sample forms, and a bibliography. Standards of Practice is a critical resource for everyone designing or implementing an AAA/T program!

RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS (STEP 3):

Register your facility with Delta Society to match animal-handler teams to your facility’s specific needs. Complete the Facility Registration Packet listed on Delta Society’s web site.

Note: The fee to register your facility includes the valuable handbook Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy plus the handbook Animal-Assisted Therapy Therapeutic Interventions – which features sample treatment plans and AAT interventions in education, mental health, occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation, physical therapy and stress management. In addition, professional journal articles, resources and a bibliography are included.

GET STARTED (STEP 4):

Go to Delta Society’s web site at www.deltasociety.org to order materials on-line or call (425) 679-5518 to place your order between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm (PST) Monday-Friday. Have questions? Email: info@deltasociety.org.