Temperament Testing is exactly what it says... we are looking for animals with accepting, adaptable and non-aggressive temperaments and handlers who know how to manage their pets.  If the pet is obedience trained, that is wonderful, but it is not required. 

The animal/handler team is introduced to a series of situations that it the team can and will encounter on an AAT visit, such as wheelchairs, walkers, rolling IV's, elevators and working in close quarters with other animals.   We need to be sure the animal is tolerant of these unusual conditions and not stressed and the volunteer is able to handle the pet appropriately.

Unacceptable pet behavior consists of, but is not limited to: growling, snapping or biting, lifting leg, excessive and/or uncontrollable barking or jumping, mounting and nervous or aggressive behavior.  The pets MUST get along with all other animals and be easily controlled by the volunteer.