Pet Partner's and Costumes

Read this "Tip of the Week" from Delta Society. Notice in particular the last part about insurance coverage.

Tip of the Week

Pet Partners: Please refrain from dressing your animal partners in costumes while on visits this holiday season. While costumes look cute and make patients and staff smile, costumes pose additional risk for the animal, overheating, handler inability to accurately read the stress and body language of the animal, the increased risk of having the costume get caught on equipment as well as patients who may pull on the costume, resulting in undue harm to both the animal and the patient, reduced tactile stimulation, reduces the opportunity for patients of all ages to see and understand animals/specific breeds for who they are and the uniqueness that they offer. Pet Partners can certainly have their animal wear a scarf/bandanna, however one with Velcro as opposed to being tied. Please note the Pet Partners volunteer insurance only covers individuals who follow and adhere to policies and procedures.