Pet Partner Evaluations

Pet Partner Program Evaluation
“Improving human health through service and therapy animals.”

​The Pet Partners program was established in 1990, and it is the only national registry that requires volunteer training and screening of animal-handler teams. The necessary training and screening ensure that both people and animals are prepared to participate in animal-assisted activity and animal-assisted therapy programs

The Pet Partners program trains and screens volunteers and their pets for visiting animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities.  Pet Partners requires the evaluation to become a newly registered Therapy Dog Team or to renew your existing registration, which expires every two years.

Pet Partners’ national network links volunteers with facilities in their communities that request visiting pets and helps Pet Partners contact facilities to begin visits in new locations. See www.petpartners.org for more information.
Are you interested in volunteering? Want more information? Contact us today!
We conduct Pet Partner evaluations at Cave Spring United Methodist Church in Roanoke, VA.  See the calendar page for evaluation dates.

If you are an existing registered Pet Partners team, please check the expiration date on your badge to see when you need to test again and start your registration three months before your expiration date. Per Pet Partners policy, the evaluation slots fill on a first come, first served basis.

If your Pet Partners registration is expiring — or if you’re becoming a new Therapy Dog Team — this evaluation is required. Registration renews every two years.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Cave Spring United Methodist Church
4505 Hazel Drive
Roanoke, VA 24018
TheraPets Contact
Paul Henegar
Evaluation Coordinator
[email protected]

To sign up for the evaluation event, please follow the instructions below:
1. Log in to the Pet Partners website using your email address and password:  https://petpartners2.my.site.com/TAP/s/.
2. Click on the “My Registrations” option.
3. Choose to start a new application or resume your renewal application.
4. Click on the “Team Evaluation” option.
5. Click the “Schedule an Evaluation” button. The link will take you to the Training Center.
6. Select “Sign Up.”
7. Choose the “Handler” option.
8. Select “Evaluations.”
9. Click “By Location.”
10. Scroll down to your preferred location.
11. Click the tiny arrow next to “Available Classes.”
12. Choose your preferred date and click “Register.”
13. Review the details for the event and click “Register.”
14. Click the “Check-Out” button in your cart and await confirmation that you have successfully signed up.

Please note that existing and new teams must complete an online handlers course and bring a copy of the Completion Certificate to their evaluation. If you require assistance signing up for the evaluation or handlers course, please contact Pet Partners directly. TheraPets does not have access to the Pet Partners system. 

​Sincerely,
Paul Henegar
Therapets of the Roanoke Valley Evaluation Coordinator / Board Member.
[email protected] 
540-793-2751

Medical Eligibility 
The health and well-being of every therapy animal is a top priority at TheraPets. To participate in our program, therapy animals must meet established medical eligibility requirements that help ensure the safety of volunteers, clients, healthcare facilities, and the animals themselves.
Animals must be in good health, free from contagious illnesses, and current on required veterinary care and vaccinations as outlined by our program guidelines. Additional medical considerations may apply based on an animal's age, health history, medications, or specific facility requirements.
We encourage all handlers to review our complete Medical Eligibility Guidelines before registering or scheduling visits.

Policies & Procedures
TheraPets follows established standards and best practices to ensure safe, professional, and meaningful animal-assisted interactions. Our volunteers and therapy animal teams are expected to adhere to program policies regarding conduct, visitation guidelines, animal welfare, and handler responsibilities. We encourage all participants to review the complete Policies and Procedures document to better understand the expectations and requirements of our program.