Membership is renewed annually from January 15-February 15.
Vaccination and Rabies Vaccination Certificate must be kept updated in the Member’s profile. It is the Member’s responsibility to do this and accept all liability if not updated.
Members are not allowed to take any photos showing faces of adults or children (i.e. staff, patients, students, etc.) while on visits regardless of verbal or written permission that might be given. No photos may be posted to social media or shared in any other manner.
Faithful Paws members are required to wear their Faithful Paws logo shirt to every visit and abide by the dress code set by the facility they are visiting. They must have their current badge with them, as well as their pet’s badge.
Some facilities require a blue Faithful Paws pet vest. While a vest is not required, a vest is HIGHLY recommended. Pets must be bathed within 48 hours of every visit. Pets must be groomed (brushed) and great attention to detail must be made to present a pet that smells good, is not matted, and has recently trimmed paws and coat. Any soiling in eyes or other areas needs to be cleaned. Collars are a source of “doggie odor” – be sure to wash your dogs collar frequently. We encourage bows, cute collars, bow ties for the boys, etc. – bring your pet “runway” ready!
There is no minimum age for handlers, but handlers under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian for class, testing, and on all visitations. The parent is considered the Primary Handler, the child would be the Secondary Handler. Some facilities require all visitors to be over 21.
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, caregiving, etc.
Our certification does not entitle our pets to go to work with their owners for any reason.
We never make home or apartment visits.
We visit to our pre-arranged facilities, on set schedules.
Faithful Paws does not participate in providing “service hours” or “volunteer hours” for any purpose.
Therapy animals are not required to be spayed or neutered. Female animals must not be in estrus when attending class or participating in therapy work.
If you ever decide to stop visiting or move out of the Houston area, you are expected to notify us.
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 Once they quit, retire, or are no longer active, they are no longer considered a therapy pet at all.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.
By registering or renewing, all members agree to inform the Executive Director of the Pet Therapy Program immediately if their animal(s) shows any sign of aggressive behavior toward other animals or persons, and to stop visiting with their animal(s) in a Therapy Animal capacity until the matter has been resolved with our Executive Director.
By accepting registration or renewal with Faithful Paws Pet Therapy Program, the applicant agrees to abide by all rules and guidelines. Failure to abide by these rules will be subject to cancellation of registration or renewal. All rules, guidelines, regulations, forms and other materials are subject to revision as needed, without prior notice and will be replaced if applicable.
Due to the abundant opportunities to visit with our organization, the potential for conflict of interest, or confusion of rules between groups, we request that our members do not participate in other Pet Therapy programs without special permission from our Executive Director.
