What is the difference between a pet therapy animal and a service animal?
Our certified Therapy Pets are NOT Service Animals. Under the ADA, “comfort,” “therapy,” or “emotional support animals” do not meet the definition of a service animal. Service animals are animals that are specially trained to help a person with disabilities and are to be focused solely on that one person. Therapy pets are animals that volunteer with their owners to improve the lives of others. Therapy pets are NOT service animals, and they do not have the same public access as service animals. Handlers of therapy pets must not ever present their animal as a service animal, nor try to gain public access to planes, restaurants, public buildings, etc.
Do you train service animals or emotional support animals or pets for use by any individual?
We do not train service animals or emotional support animals or pets for use by any individual. Therapy pets do not get special privileges.
Do you accept current service or emotional support animals into your group?
We do not accept current service or emotional support animals.
Can we get our pets certified through Faithful Paws so they can come to work with us?
Our program does not certify pets to be used as part of any business or agency. Our pets are not certified to be used in any kind of private practice, volunteering, care-giving, etc. Our certification does not entitle our pets to “go to work” with their owners for any reason, nor ever make home or apartment visits. We visit only our pre-arranged facilities on set schedules, usually once a month.
Do you allow your members to visit with their pet where they are employed, even if the group goes there?
We do not allow our members to visit with their pet where they are employed, even if our group goes there.
Do you participate in any kind of service hours?
We do not participate in any kind of service hours.
Do you participate in fairs, fundraising events, or outdoor activities?
We do not participate in fairs, fundraising events, or outdoor activities, unless special approval is given by our Executive Director.
Do you accept members who do not have transportation, internet access, or email?
We do not accept members who do not have transportation, internet access, or email.
Do you accept donated pets or find homes for pets?
We do not accept donated pets or find homes for pets. Visit Petfinder or a local dog rescue to re-home your pet.
Do you visit individual homes?
We do not ever visit in individual homes or apartments.
If I leave this organization, is my animal still a therapy pet?
Therapy pets are only considered therapy pets as long as they are active members of their certifying organization. Once they quit, retire, or are no longer active, they are no longer considered a therapy pet at all. Active status for Faithful Paws members and pets can be checked at any time with our admins through this website. The therapy pet and handler must maintain current active status with their therapy animal registration/certification organization as long as they are volunteering to be considered a therapy animal.
