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Best Practice Guidance for Windwalker Teams
Revised 2/25/25
Noticing that the pet is enjoying the work and, if not, stopping services.
Ensuring that the team is covered by an appropriate liability insurance.
Understanding and adhering to the rules of a facility where the Team is working.
Respecting the work of other professional pet assisted therapy teams by:
- Discussing their work with others in a respectful manner.
- Determining where other Pet Assisted Therapy Teams provide programs and seeking advice/agreement before contacting and/or working in those facilities.
Equipment Guidance - using equipment that models safety and care for the pet
- Collar - The collar may be leather or fabric and close with a buckle, a quick release clip or a snap.
- Leash - With the exception of the clip, the leash should be either all leather or all fabric and no longer than 6 feet in length.
- Harness - Harnesses are a humane way to walk a dog on a leash because it does not put any pressure on the dog's neck. Harnesses should be made of fabric or leather and fit the pet well The only metal should be the rings for various attachments of the leash. The preferred leash placement on the harness is the connection at the dog's chest.
- Additional items - Some Items that are necessary for the comfort and care of the pet (water and water bottle/bowl, poop bags, etc.). Some pets like a mat or blanket to rest on. If using treats, suggest training treats that are very small and soft (cooked chicken or cut up string cheese).
- Harmful Equipment/Not Acceptable - The following equipment is considered harmful or inhumane and is never used in pet assisted therapy work.
Prong, choke (slip), and shock collar; metal collars or harnesses; slip collars and Martingale type collars with chain component.
Halti Harness type head gear that is over the nose.
Retractable, stretchable and metal leashes are not allowed.
Flea/Tick collars/ Seresto - if used, the collar must be removed and stored before all client interactions to prevent skin reactions and other
adverse side effects.
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