Thank you for showing an interest in Pet a Pet, below you will find information to help you learn more about what is required.
If you have further questions please see our
contacts page for email links or send an email to
The first step is to look at our list of locations and find one near you that you would like to visit. Under each facility listing is the name and phone number of the coordinator for that facility. Once you have found a location and time that suits you, please contact the coordinator for that location for more information.
If there is no location near you, please consider attending a few visits a little farther away. After you are familiar with what we do, and are comfortable with the process, we can work together to expand to a location closer to you.
For your first visit, you will need to bring a copy of your pet's vaccinations from your veterinarian. The coordinator will meet with you to evaluate your pet's suitability as a volunteer and take you through the procedures at the facility you are visiting. If your pet meets the requirements and you decide to become a member, you will be given a form to have your veterinarian sign to verify that all the vaccinations are up to date. This form must be returned to a coordinator with your dues.
Membership is not valid, and liability insurance will not cover volunteers, without the facility coordinator's signature on the registration form. Please contact the coordinator for dues information.
Current dues are $10 per pet per year. This registration fee is paid annually (July 1-June 30) and covers some of our club expenses: liability insurance for scheduled visits, pet scarf, newsletters three times per year, postage, etc.
That's all there is to it!
After you are registered you can attend any of the Pet-A-Pet site visits, by providing the coordinators with a copy of your registration. Some visits have some additional requirements. Most Oakwood facilities require volunteers to maintain a current TB test. The coordinator can provide the specifics details. The current list of visits can be found at the link below, this is updated as we have changes:
http://www.petapet.org/schedulebycity.html
Requirements for animals are listed below, the most important requirement is that are social with other people and other animals. No formal training is required.
If you have further questions or have trouble contacting someone, please see our contacts page for email links or send an email to
Read the information below to see what a coordinator will be looking for when they evaluate your pet.
Requirements for Animal Volunteers
Dog Requirements
1. Dogs must be on a leash and collar or harness. Retractable 'Flexi' leashes are not allowed.
2. Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
3. Dogs must have a clean and neat appearance.
4. Dogs must like people and get along with other animals.
Dogs must be friendly and accept strangers touching their ears, tail and paws. They must accept hugs from strangers. Small dogs must allow themselves to be placed on a strangers lap. They must not be afraid of wheelchairs or walkers. They must be able to walk about without struggling on different flooring surfaces. They must be non-aggressive to other dogs. They must not be fearful of loud noises.
Signs for Disqualification:
1. Unacceptable amount of growling or barking
2. Excessive jumping
3. Any amount of aggression towards other animals or humans
Cat Requirements
1. Cats must be on a leash and collar or harness or in a carrier.
2. Nails are to be trimmed, declawed or have 'Soft Paws' (vinyl nail caps).
3. Bring a towel to cover laps.
Cats must be relaxed and allow petting touching of tail and paws.
Cats must not be sensitive to loud noises.
Signs for Disqualification:
1. Arching of back and hissing
2. Biting
3. Laying of ears flat back
4. Constant swatting
5. Hair raised on back and tail fluffed out
Rabbit Requirements
1. Nails are to be trimmed.
2. Maintain a safe distance from dogs at all times
3. Bring a towel to hold rabbit.
Rabbits should be comfortable with touching of ears and paws. They should not be sensitive to loud noises.
Signs for Disqualification:
1. Excessive fidgeting
2. Excessive shyness
