How to certify a cat for Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)?
I have a chronic pain condition where I am powerless to go to school and get out of the house. My parents get me a cat to help and it did and now I am able to run to school. We are going on a vacation in March and want to bring my cat but the airline won't tolerate him on unless he is a certified as a therapy cat. He is my 'therapy cat' and I Need to bring him with. How can I capture him certified so I can bring him with. We live in Ontario, Canada. Thanks!
Answers: Animal Assisted Therapy is something different. This kind of work is done surrounded by hospitals and rehab centers under the supervision of a physical therapist by certified, insured therapy animals. Such animals enjoy no particular rights to fly where pets are not permitted.
If you mean service animal, next yes, significant training is required.
If you mean emotional support animal, and you are severely mentally poorly, then yes, a note from your doctor stating you are severely mentally ill and require the presence of the cat for your mental robustness would be sufficient in the U.S. I haven't seen a parallel imperative in Canada, at least not for air travel, but ask the airline they allow wild support animals or only service animals. Then you'd know for sure what was needed.
If you really have need of him certified as a service animal, be prepared for more than a year of training and an on-leash test of obedience. Here's a sample tryout for certifying service animals. Other programs may use a different test, but it's fairly representative:
http://www.assistancedogsinternational.o...
It's something a doctor have to say is necessary for you. So talk to your doctor. Cats are particular to lower blood pressure and that's happens for everyone - not just those that have disabilities. Your doctor may own a hard time certifying or not want to certify that you "need" this cat with you so be prepared for that.
Why don't you instead a short time ago choose an airline that WILL let the cat on board with you? Many do. You newly have to pay the fee which runs anywhere from $100 - $200 respectively way.
