PAT Pets come in all shapes and sizes and can be a pedigree or a crossbreed – though we cannot accept dogs that are listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Your dog must be at least a year old and you must have known them for at least nine months. They must also have up-to-date vaccinations, a regular worming treatment and be protected against fleas.

Our PAT Pets give so much during their visits but it’s important to consider their wellbeing too. If your dog is in the later stages of life, starting this new venture might be too demanding. Visiting unfamiliar and sometimes busy environments can be stressful and may worsen existing health conditions.

We understand this may be a disappointment, but it is important to always prioritise the welfare of your dog.

As a provider of therapeutic pet visits across the UK we always strive to ensure visits are carried out in the safest way possible and following all guidelines and recommendations. This includes guidance from the Intensive Care Society and guidance from the Royal College of Nursing which states visiting therapeutic pets cannot be fed a raw diet.

Many imported dogs have become great PAT Dogs, however, if your dog was imported into the UK, your application will be put on hold as we will require some additional information from you.

We require evidence that your dog has been tested for Brucella canis and Leishmania.

• Imported PAT Pets must never have tested positive for Leishmania.
• Imported dogs must have confirmed negative tests for Brucella canis. Canine Brucella antibody testing must be conducted using an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) at a validated laboratory before being accepted as a PAT Dog, and the outcome confirmed by a veterinary surgeon. This must be the result of two negative Brucellosis tests, at least 30 days apart.

An accredited PAT Assessor will arrange to meet you and your pet at a convenient location. The assessment should last around 45 minutes and it enables us to make sure your dog is friendly, sociable and calm, and enjoys being stroked and handled.

We also check that you own a fit, healthy, clean and well-groomed dog that will behave appropriately under demanding social and physical situations. And we find out a bit more about you, too.

You should bring your dog's favourite treats, grooming equipment and vaccination details with you. All dogs must have an annual Lepto vaccination. We do not accept homeopathic vaccinations.

Assessors are asked to make note of any other behaviours that they may observe throughout the assessment, for example, jumping up, pawing or excessive licking. Such behaviours are not acceptable on PAT visits.

For more information, please download our PAT Assessment Factsheet.

No, we are unable to carry out an assessment at your home address. It's important that the assessment takes place at a location where our PAT Assessor can see how your pet behaves when it visits a new environment.

If your dog does not meet our assessment requirements, or there's a considered to be an unacceptable risk to the clients/patients on a visit, your dog will be deferred.

Assessors are trained to conduct the assessment in such a way that all pets are assessed fairly and consistently. You will be given clear explanation on why your pet has not passed the assessment on this occasion, guidance on how to improve and a timeline for a reassessment. The most common causes of deferral are:

Socialisation needs: Pets that are not comfortable around strangers or children should be further socialised before taking their reassessment. Pets who are nervous in a new environment will also need further socialising.

Behavioural training: Pets that jump up, paw or claw, vocalise or lick, or pull on the lead will require additional training.

For more information, please download our PAT Assessment Factsheet.

Volunteers are not required to wear an official Pets As Therapy uniform, but you must always display your ID badge while on visits.

If you are to appear in a publicity or Head Office event, you and your pet may be asked to wear PAT clothing featuring our logo – you’ll be able to borrow items from our loan stock. We also have items that you're able to buy.

Volunteers are required to pay an annual contribution to PAT, which is currently £25 (or £35 for a joint contribution). This helps to fund our admin costs and third-party insurance cover for PAT Teams.

Expenses may be reimbursed by some of the places you visit. Please enquire about this before you start visiting.

There is no set requirement on how often you need to go on PAT visits, but regular visits are greatly appreciated by all those who receive them. Please discuss this with the place you intend to visit.

For further information, please contact our Head Office.

Please take a look at our Volunteer Agreement to find out more.

No, Pets As Therapy does not assess or provide working or school pets. As a PAT Volunteer, your primary responsibility is to your dog and you are unable to do this if you're teaching a class. If there was an emergency and the school had to be evacuated, as a volunteer you would be responsible for your dog, but as a teacher you're responsible for the children and therefore the welfare of either would be compromised.

Any visits conducted outside of PAT's official guidelines are not covered by PAT insurance, and PAT accepts no liability for incidents arising from such visits.

If your dog has a live kennel cough vaccine, take advice from your vet as to how long to avoid contact with immunocompromised individuals. Also, please avoid visiting establishments if your dog is showing signs of kennel cough (coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, etc) and stay away for three weeks after symptoms have been resolved.

No. PAT Pets do not qualify as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), so you can't take your dog into locations such as shops that only allow assistance dogs.

Assistance and support dogs are working dogs that have been trained to perform key support roles. These dogs may only be accepted by PAT with explicit permission from the responsible organisation, confirming PAT visits will not compromise their primary role.

Yes, visit Volunteer with my cat to find out more.